2010 Delegates book - Toronto ABI Network

Challenging the Challenges 

November 8 & 9, 2010 

Hilton Toronto 

145 Richmond Street, Toronto, Ontario 

~ Platinum Sponsors ~ 

Partnering Sponsor 

Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation 

Gold Sponsors 

Bayshore Home Health | Falconeri Munro Tucci LLP | Himelfarb, Proszanski LLP | Lerners LLP | 

Neinstein & Associates LLP | Oatley, Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers | Source Rehabilitation 

Silver Sponsors 

4Spheres Inc. | Adapt-Able Design Group | ADL Home Health Care | AgTa Home Care | Bartimaeus Inc. | 

Community Solutions Ltd. | Continuum, a division of Community Rehab | Devry, Smith & Frank LLP | 

DMARehability | Driver Training & Assessment Services at Saint Elizabeth Health Care | Elements Support 

Services | Family Oriented Rehab Services (F.O.R.S.) | FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services | HILL Program Inc. | 

Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. | Just Rehab Support Inc. | Lawlor Therapy Support Services | McKellar Structured 

Settlements | MindWorks | Multi-Languages Corporation | Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario (NRIO) | 

Neuro-Rehab Services Inc. | Pace Law Firm | Rehab Results | Rehabilitation Management Inc. (RMI) | The Speech 

Therapy Centres of Canada | STEP UP! ABI Recovery (a division of Brain Injury Services)

Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010: 

Challenging the Challenges 

November 8-9, 2010 

Hilton Toronto 

Table of Contents 

Welcome and Introduction ...............................................................................................................................2 

Floor Plan of Venue .........................................................................................................................................3 

Program at-a-Glance (Day One) ......................................................................................................................4 

Program at-a-Glance (Day Two) ......................................................................................................................5 

Keynote Addresses..........................................................................................................................................6 

Concurrent Workshops ..................................................................................................................................10 

Podium Presentations....................................................................................................................................15 

Poster Presentations......................................................................................................................................31 

People’s Choice Award..................................................................................................................................46 

List of Poster Presentations ...........................................................................................................................47 

Conference Sponsors ....................................................................................................................................48 

Conference Sponsors Contact List ................................................................................................................59 

Delegate Directory .........................................................................................................................................63 

Planning Committee.......................................................................................................................................72 

Presentation Handouts ..................................................................................................................................73 

About the Toronto ABI Network Conference 2012 .........................................................................................73

Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010: Challenging the Challenges 

Welcome and Introduction 

to the Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010 

On behalf of the Toronto ABI Network, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our 2010 conference. 

This year’s conference is the 5 th bi-annual conference of the Toronto ABI Network and we are 

delighted that we have delegates attending from all across Ontario, from Alberta and Nova Scotia. In 

addition, we are very pleased to have a presentation and delegates attending from Sweden. 

The Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010 is a multi-track conference featuring sessions that appeal 

to the many professionals working with individuals who have sustained a brain injury as well as 

survivors and family members living with the effects of brain injury. Registrants will have an 

opportunity to reflect on the advances that have benefited the lives of individuals living with a brain 

injury and to look towards the future direction of research, resources, clinical practice and personal 

journeys. 

Proceeds from this conference support the ongoing work of the Toronto ABI Network. The Network 

was established in 1995 to address issues of fragmentation in the system and inequitable access to 

service for individuals with an acquired brain injury. Since that time the Network has grown to include 

20 member organizations and has become a reputable and recognized voice in advocating for the 

needs of those living with the effects of acquired brain injury. 

Clients, families, ABI stakeholders, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Local Health 

Integration Networks and others rely on the Network as a resource for information and advice, and a 

forum for the identification and resolution of issues affecting ABI services across the Greater Toronto 

Area and beyond. 

The success of this conference could not be possible without the valuable contributions of our 

conference planning committee. In addition, we are very grateful to the overwhelming response we 

have received from our many sponsors. Please take the opportunities provided throughout the 

conference to view their informative exhibits and learn about the variety of services available across 

the system. 

This conference provides an opportunity for us to establish and maintain links across the provincial, 

national, and now international ABI community and to share the work that we do throughout the year. 

Please take this opportunity to meet with colleagues, clients and family members, hear what they 

have to say and then challenge yourself to see how you can incorporate their learnings into your 

activities. 

We hope you find this day informative, inspiring and enjoyable. Thank you for sharing this day with 

us. 

Sincerely, 

Alison Jardine Charissa Levy 

Chair Executive Director 

Conference Planning Committee Toronto ABI Network 

2


Floor Plan of the Conference Venue 

3

7:30 Registration & Continental Breakfast 

8:45 Opening Remarks 

9:00 – 10:00 


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010 

Keynote Address ~ 

Buddha Meets The Neuroscientist: Implications For Restoration Of Self After Traumatic Brain Injury 

Dr. Thomas Kay 

(Toronto Ballroom) 

10:00 – 10:30 Break & Poster Review 

10:30 – 11:15 

Concurrent 

Sessions 

11:25 – 12:10 

Concurrent 

Sessions 

Behaviour Management: 

Partnering To Bridge The 

Continuum 

Nancy Boaro 

(Toronto I/II) 

Cognitive-Behavioural 

Treatment For Sleep 

Disturbance In Clients 

With Brain Injury 

Sarah Vernon-Scott 


12:10 – 1:30 Lunch & Poster Review 

1:30 – 2:15 

Concurrent 

Sessions 

2:25 – 3:10 

Concurrent 

Sessions 

Working Memory Training 

For Patients With 

Acquired Brain Injury. 

Effects In Daily Life. 

Berit Johansson 


Clinical Guidelines For 

The Care Of Persisting 

Symptoms After Mild 

Traumatic Brain Injury 

Shawn Marshall 



3:45 – 4:45 

Tracking Movement Of 

Clients With An ABI 

Through The System 

From Acute Into The 

Community: What Does It 

Tell Us And What Else 

Might We Need To Know? 

Angela Colantonio 

(Toronto III) 

Financial Cost Recovery 

Strategies For Families 

Impacted By Acquired 

Brain Injury (ABI): 

Identifying Accessible 

Financial Supports For 

ABI Affected Families 

Anthony Hutchinson 


Families After Brain 

Injury: Psycho- 

Educational And Support 

Group Intervention 

Clare Brandys 


School Reintegration For 

Children And Youth With 

Acquired Brain Injury 

Dawn Good 


4 

“Never Give Up”: A 

Teenager’s Journey To 

Recover From Traumatic 

Brain Injury 

A.J. Fordham 

(Carmichael/Jackson) 

Helping Hand A 

Constraint Induced 

Movement Therapy Group 

Janet Woodhouse 


Sexuality, Safety & 

Smarts: Creative 

Sexuality Education 

Strategies For Youth With 

ABI 

Douglas Schmidt 


The Effectiveness Of Self- 

Awareness Group 

Therapy Program For 

Adults With Long-Term 

Brain Injuries 

Bruce Linder 


The Next Two Decades: A 

Framework For Culturally 

Competent Rehabilitation 

Practice 

Caron Gan 

(Tom Thomson) 

Positive Outcomes 

Following Long-Term 

Rehabilitation For 

Individuals With Severe 

Traumatic Brain Injury 

Denise Lawson 

(Tom Thomson) 

Canine Potential 

Unleashed: An Old Dog 

Teaches New Tricks 

Rebecca Swift-Weir 

(Tom Thomson) 

Telephone Follow Up: 

Supporting Transitions Of 

Patients With Stroke And 

Acquired Brain Injury 

Iona Yim 

(Tom Thomson) 

Keynote Address ~ Conceptualizing Intervention For Behavioural Dyscontrol After Acquired Brain Injury 

Dr. Robert L. Karol 


4:45 – 4:50 Closing Remarks 

Networking Reception ~ All registrants are invited to a reception in the main foyer following Monday’s program.

7:45 Continental Breakfast 

8:45 Greetings 

9:00 – 10:00 



TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2010 

The Distinction Between Conscious Versus Unconscious Cognitive Processing: 

Implications For Acquired Brain Injuries 

Dr. Steve Joordens 



10:30 – 12:00 

Concurrent 

Workshops 

featuring 

Invited Guest 

Speakers 

Life, Function And 

Future: What To 

Expect From The 

Recovering Brain 

Injured Patient 

Abe Snaiderman 


12:00 – 1:30 Lunch & Poster Review 

1:30 – 2:30 


ABI In The 

Classroom: 

Structuring Learning 

For Student 

Success 

Erin M. Picard 

Diane Tope-Ryan 


Can I Return To 

Work? 

Mary Stergiou-Kita 


5 

Sleep And Wake 

Disorders After 

Brain Injury: A 

Practical Workshop 

For Clinicians 

Catherine Wiseman- 

Hakes 

Dr Chanth Seyone 

(Tom Thomson) 

Chronic Pain - 

Living With The 

"Catastrophe" 

Ted Robinson 

Marilyn Galonski 

(Varley) 

From Both Sides: What I Learned From My Rehabilitation From Head Injury And Use Today As An Effective 

Clinician 

Greg Noack 


2:30 – 2:45 Closing Remarks and presentation of the People’s Choice Award


Keynote Addresses 

We are pleased to have four very exciting keynote speakers for this conference, presenting a variety of perspectives. 

All keynote addresses will take place in the Toronto Ballroom. 

Keynote Address ~ Monday, November 8, 2010 

Time: 9:00 – 10:00 Location: Toronto Ballroom 

Title: 

Buddha Meets The Neuroscientist: Implications For Restoration Of Self After Traumatic Brain Injury 

Presenter: 

Dr. Thomas Kay 

Neuropsychologist in private practice (New York, New York) 

Presenter Biography: 

Dr. Thomas Kay is a neuropsychologist in private practice in New York City, who has worked in the field of traumatic brain 

injury for over 25 years. He has served as Director of Research for the New York University Medical Center's Research and 

Training Center on Head Injury and Stroke, and as Director of the Outpatient Brain Injury Program at the Kessler Institute in 

New Jersey. His clinical interests include mild traumatic brain injury, and psychotherapy as a process of self-restoration after 

brain injury. 

6


Keynote Address ~ Monday, November 8, 2010 


Title: 

Conceptualizing Intervention For Behavioural Dyscontrol After Acquired Brain Injury 

Presenter: 

Dr. Robert L. Karol, PhD, LP, ABPP, CBIST 

President, Karol Neuropsychological Services & Consulting (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota) 


Dr. Robert Karol is President of a group practice, Karol Neuropsychological Services & Consulting, in Minneapolis. He is a 

Board Certified Rehabilitation Psychologist by the American Board of Professional Psychology and a Certified Brain Injury 

Specialist Trainer by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists. 

His career includes: [1] Co-founder: Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and Past Chairman of the Board; [2] Board of 

Directors: Accessible Space, Inc.; [3] Advisory Committee: Opportunity Partners' TBI Metro Services; [4] Consultant: Vinland 

Center; [5] Minnesota Department of Human Services TBI Advisory Committee; [6] Minnesota Department of Corrections TBI 

Advisory Panel; [6] Supreme Court of Minnesota Board of Law Examiners Special Test Accommodation Panel; [7] Adjunct 

Professor: Argosy University; [8] Director: 30-bed BI program. 

His publications include: [1] the book Neuropsychosocial Intervention: The Practical Treatment of Severe Behavioral 

Dyscontrol after Acquired Brain Injury; [2] the chapter Principles of Behavioral Analysis and Modification; [3] the book 

Overcoming Grief and Loss after Brain Injury; [4] the book Therapists' Guide to Overcoming Grief and Loss after Brain Injury. 

7


Keynote Address ~ Tuesday, November 9, 2010 


Title: 

The Distinction Between Conscious Versus Unconscious Cognitive Processing: Implications For Acquired Brain 

Injuries 

Presenter: 

Dr. Steve Joordens, BSc, MA, PhD 

Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto (Scarborough) 


Dr. Steve Joordens is a professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto at Scarborough. He teaches a 1500 student 

Introductory Psychology course, and has won a number of awards for his teaching and teaching innovations including a 

Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award and the 2009 National Technology Innovation Award. In collaboration with his Ph.D. 

student, Dwayne Pare, he created peer Scholar (www.peerScholar.com) an online application that supports the development 

of critical thinking and clear communication skills. In addition to his research on teaching and technology, he also conducts 

research on Human Memory and Consciousness, and has written papers and given talks on the Ethics of Animal Research. 

When not in the classroom or the lab, you might find him playing with his band Delusions of Grandeur at venues in Toronto. 

Dr. Joordens' presentation will describe the distinction between conscious and unconscious cognitive processes, and will 

highlight data showing that conscious cognitive processes are often more prone to damage from acquired brain injury. A 

number of neuropsychological cases will be discussed in the context of relevant laboratory research. 

8


Keynote Address ~ Tuesday, November 9, 2010 


Title: 

From Both Sides: What I Learned From My Rehabilitation From Head Injury And Use Today As An Effective Clinician 

Presenter: 

Greg Noack 

Brain Injury Survivor; Author; Rehabilitation Therapist, Acquired Brain Injury Service, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 


Greg Noack is a brain injury survivor of an assault that took place in November, 1996. Greg has been volunteering and 

working with fellow survivors in some capacity since 6 months after his injury. He currently works at Toronto Rehabilitation 

Institute in the Neuro program as a rehabilitation therapist. From his experiences, life and work, he has become a successful 

clinician with fellow survivors. By being from both sides Greg is able to speak on what approaches worked and did not work 

with him and now he shares these tools with others to be successful. Greg is also an author having written a book on his own 

rehabilitation from brain injury, “My Invisible Disability”, published in February 2006. In his spare time Greg likes to remain 

physically active. He enjoys running and has completed 4 marathons. He is also entering his second year on the board of 

directors at the Brain Injury Society of Toronto (BIST) where he is serves on the membership committee. Mr. Noack will share 

with registrants what he has learned from his rehabilitation following head injury, and what learnings he is able to use today as 

an effective clinician. 

9


Concurrent Workshops 

The conference features five concurrent workshops featuring invited guest speakers. 

Concurrent Workshop ~ Tuesday, November 9, 2010 

Time: 10:30 – 12:00 Location: Toronto I/II 

Title: 

Life, Function And Future: What To Expect From The Recovering Brain Injured Patient 

Presenter: 

Abe Snaiderman, MD, FRCPC(C) 

Director, Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Neurorehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; Departments of Psychiatry and 

Medicine (PMR), University of Toronto 

Summary: 

Brain injury typically affects directly "one brain and 10 people". This workshop will help caregivers understand the emotional, 

behavioural and cognitive changes commonly observed in the brain injured patient and their support systems. It will provide a 

common sense framework to help identify and prevent behavioural, emotional and cognitive complications in the community. 


Dr. Abe Snaiderman is a psychiatrist with a subspecialist designation in neuropsychiatry, both from the University of Toronto. 

Before that, he trained at the University of Manitoba and at the University of Western Ontario. 

Dr. Snaiderman is the director of the Neuropsychiatry Clinic in Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s Neuro-rehabilitation program 

where he has worked for the past 14 years. Dr. Snaiderman is a consultant to the Acquired Brain Injury, Stroke, Continuing 

Care and Spinal Cord Injury programs at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and several community agencies. He has a full time 

appointment as Clinician Teacher in the Department of Psychiatry and the department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. 

Dr. Snaiderman is a member of the Research Ethics Board at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and an instructor in the Art and 

Science of Clinical Medicine course at the Faculty of Medicine. He is also a member of the examiners board in Psychiatry at 

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Snaiderman is a member of the American Psychiatric 

Association, American Neuropsychiatric Association and the Behavioural Neurology section of the Department of Neurology at 

the University of Toronto. 

Dr. Snaiderman was co-winner of “The Ivan Silver Award for Excellence in Mental Health Education” in 2007, given by the 

University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry. His expertise is in the areas of the cognitive, emotional and behavioural 

effects of neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, severe traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders and others. 

Dr. Snaiderman is a frequent guest keynote speaker and lecturer at several institutions, and community organizations 

nationally, provincially and locally. In his spare time he writes short stories and wonders about goals yet to be achieved. 

10



Time: 10:30 – 12:00 Location: Toronto III 

Title: 

ABI In The Classroom: Structuring Learning For Student Success 

Presenters: 

Erin M. Picard, PhD, CPsych 

Head Psychologist, Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board 

Diane Tope-Ryan, BA Hon 

Program Specialist A.B.A., Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board 

Summary: 

This workshop will provide all professionals with an understanding of how structuring the students' learning environment 

promotes independence and skill development while addressing unique learning needs. Hands-on activities with a curriculum 

focus will be showcased and video demonstrations provided. 

Presenter Biographies: 

Dr. Erin Picard is a neuropsychologist and is currently the Head Psychologist at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School 

Board. Dr. Picard has worked with diverse clinical populations in acute care, rehabilitation, education, private practice and 

mental health settings. In keeping with her interests in evidence based interventions, neuropsychological assessment and 

Response to Intervention (RTI), she is project lead for the Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) reading and math 

programs that have been implemented with considerable success within the board. 

Diane Tope-Ryan currently works as a program specialist with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board. Prior to 

joining this team, she worked for Thames Valley Children’s Centre as an autism spectrum disorder consultant in the School 

Support program. She specializes in how the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis work within the education system to 

meet the needs of all learners. 

11



Time: 10:30 – 12:00 Location: Carmichael/Jackson 

Title: 

Can I Return To Work? 

Presenters: 

Mary Stergiou-Kita, PhD (candidate), MSc, BSc, OT Reg (Ont) 

Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto 

Summary: 

This interactive workshop will guide participants to explore significant factors and process relevant to a comprehensive 

vocational evaluation following traumatic brain injury. Participants will utilize their own experiences and results from a 

systematic review, completed by the facilitator, to develop a guiding framework for their vocational evaluations. 


Mary Stergiou-Kita is an occupational therapist and a PhD. candidate in the Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science at 

the University of Toronto. Mary has been practicing in the area of brain injury rehabilitation since 1990, with experience in both 

public and private sectors, and a special interest in vocational rehabilitation. To date, her research interests have focused on 

understanding the processes associated with positive vocational outcomes and developing practice processes and tools to 

improve outcomes. Within her Masters research, she explored how occupational therapists evaluate individuals’ work 

readiness following an acquired brain injury and developed the Work Readiness Evaluation Model. In her doctoral work, Mary 

has been leading the development of a clinical practice guideline for vocational evaluation following traumatic brain injury. In 

her presentation, she would like to share what she has learned about the processes and factors relevant to the process of 

vocational evaluation. 

12



Time: 10:30 – 12:00 Location: Tom Thomson 

Title: 

Sleep And Wake Disorders After Brain Injury: A Practical Workshop For Clinicians 

Presenters: 

Catherine Wiseman-Hakes PhD (candidate) 

University of Toronto, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Neuro-Rehab 

Services 

Dr Chanth Seyone, MD, FRCP 

Assistant Professor, University of Toronto; Director, ABI Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 

Department of Psychiatry 

Summary: 

Sleep and wake problems are among the most commonly reported sequelae after TBI. This workshop will provide an overview 

of the role of sleep and wake disturbances, and some practical suggestions for functional assessment, monitoring, and 

where/when to refer for treatment. 


Catherine Wiseman-Hakes is a registered speech language pathologist and doctoral candidate in the Graduate Department of 

Rehabilitation Science at the University of Toronto and holds a fellowship in clinical research from the Canadian Institutes for 

Health Research. Her current research focuses on the impact of sleep and wake disorders following traumatic brain injury on 

the recovery of cognition and communication. She has extensive clinical, research and teaching experience in the field of 

acquired brain injury, with a primary focus on cognitive communication disorders. She holds a faculty appointment (status 

only) in the graduate department of speech language pathology at the University of Toronto and is co-author of a textbook on 

cognitive communication disorders. 

Dr. Chanth Seyone became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Psychiatry) in 1996, 

following which he did a Fellowship in Neuropsychiatry, Sleep Medicine and Community Psychiatry. He is the Founding 

Director of the Acquired Brain Injury Clinic, Neuropsychiatry Program, at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health 

Network. This clinic was established by him to assess and manage patients with brain injuries acquired after birth. It also 

attempts to follow patients longitudinally. 

In addition, Dr. Seyone consults for the Peel Halton Acquired Brain Injury Services (PHABIS); the Community Head Injury 

Resource Services (CHIRS) of Metropolitan Toronto; York Simcoe Brain Injury Services (YSBIS); and various legal and 

insurance firms. 

Dr. Seyone is active in teaching undergraduate, as well as graduate students, other doctors and allied health-care 

professionals. He recently won the prestigious Ivan Silver Award for Excellence in Mental Health Education for a workshop 

titled “A Road Map to Acquired Brain Injury”. He continues to organize CME accredited workshops on ABI to various health 

care professionals. He is involved in research and has numerous publications and presentations to his credit. 

13



Time: 10:30 – 12:00 Location: Varley 

Title: 

Chronic Pain - Living With The "Catastrophe" 

Presenters: 

Ted Robinson, MD CCFP, FCFP 

Bridgepoint Hospital Day Treatment Department, Pain Management and Orthopedic Outpatient Programs; Mt Sinai Hospital, 

Wasser Pain Management Centre CBT & MBSR Group Programs; Member of The International Association for the Study of 

Pain (IASP) and the Canadian Pain Society (CPS) 

Marilyn Galonski RN, BScN 

Care Coordinator, Wasser Pain Management Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital 

Summary: 

This workshop will describe a CBT group treatment program for patients with chronic non-cancer pain, including techniques 

employed. We will also present case studies of several patients with mild and moderate ABI who have participated in the 

program, with varying degrees of success, and discuss appropriate criteria for including ABI patients in such a program. 


Dr. Ted Robinson is a family physician who has worked in rehabilitation medicine in Toronto for over 30 years. He has 

extensive experience with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for management of chronic pain, having introduced and 

developed the group pain management program at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s Rumsey Centre in 1988 and directed it 

until 2000. 

Since 2001 Dr. Robinson has focused his career on chronic pain management, establishing cognitive behavioural therapy 

group programs at the Sunnybrook Pain Clinic, Bridgepoint Day Treatment Program and The Wasser Pain Management 

Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital. He has now led more than 145 cognitive behavioural therapy pain groups. 

In 2007 Dr. Robinson began co-leading Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) groups for chronic pain at the Health 

Recovery Clinic in Mississauga. In January of 2010, he introduced this approach at the Wasser Pain Management Centre, coleading 

groups with Marilyn Galonski, Care Coordinator. He continues to lead cognitive behavioural therapy pain groups at 

the Wasser Pain Management Centre and Bridgepoint Hospital. 

He is a member of various professional organizations including the Canadian Pain Society (CPS) and the International 

Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). 

Marilyn Galonski is a registered nurse, administrator and dedicated patient advocate. She is a nurse clinician in the Wasser 

Pain Management Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital where her role as a member of a multidisciplinary team involves 

assessment, support and education for patients and healthcare professionals. Marilyn has been instrumental in developing the 

role of nursing in the care and treatment of chronic pain in an outpatient setting. During her work at Mount Sinai she has been 

involved in a number of research studies and clinical trials in chronic pain. Marilyn is currently involved in a Canadian Nursing 

Pain Assessment program designed to help Primary Care Practitioners learn about assessing patients with chronic non-cancer 

pain. 

She is a member of various professional organizations including the Canadian Pain Society. She has presented to local and 

national organizations on the role of nursing in the management and treatment of the chronic pain patient. 

14


Podium Presentations 

The following presentations were submitted in response to a call for abstracts and selected by blind-review process. 

Podium Presentation ~ Monday, November 8, 2010 


Title: 

Behaviour Management: Partnering To Bridge The Continuum 

Primary Author: 

Nancy Boaro, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 

Additional Author: 

Karey-Anne Fannon 

Summary: 

Patients with brain injury often exhibit maladaptive behaviours typically due to cognitive-communication impairments, which if 

left unchecked, may impact their rehabilitation, recovery and community reintegration. Behavioural assessment and 

interventions can support the patient during all levels of the continuum of care, minimizing the role that the patient's behaviours 

play throughout the recovery process. Consistent implementation of a behaviour management plan, typically consisting of very 

basic strategies and changes to the environment, will often help the patient better manage behaviours and improve their ability 

to participate in therapies. This presentation will focus on the importance of interprofessional collaboration across the ABI 

continuum of care addressing the cognitive and behavioural needs of patients, in order to facilitate their transition from acute 

care to rehabilitation to discharge into the community. During each phase of recovery, the healthcare and community teams 

face many challenges regarding the development of behavior management plans. This stems from a lack of skilled resources 

to environmental challenges. Acute care, rehabilitation, and community settings find it difficult to obtain adequate behavioral 

assessment and approaches to improve the consistent implementation of behavioural interventions. Transitioning patients 

between settings can be equally challenging due to these behavioural issues and lack of skilled resources. A case example 

will illustrate how successful strategies have been employed during each phase of recovery and how they enhance patient 

transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation and from rehab to the community. We will also demonstrate how 

collaboration across the sectors with ABI and non-ABI providers helps to enhance sustainability and management in the 

community. 

Learning Objective: 

Learn about how to communicate and collaborate related to behavioural care plans across the continuum: use case example 

to illustrate behavioural strategies that have shown effectiveness in transitioning patients with behaviours. 


Nancy Boaro is the Advanced Practice Leader for the Neurorehabilitation Program at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Her 

role supports the integration of best practices and promotes interprofessional collaborative practice to ensure optimal patient 

outcomes. Nancy has significant experience in acquired brain injury, trauma and stroke care across the continuum and has 

worked in a variety of clinical settings including critical care, acute care, rehabilitation and the community in the areas of 

neurology, acquired brain injury, stroke and trauma. She obtained her Bachelors degree in Nursing from McGill University in 

1994 and her Masters of Nursing from the University of Toronto in 2005. She holds her CNA Neuroscience and Rehabilitation 

Nursing Certifications. Nancy holds an Adjunct Clinical Appointment in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. 

15




Title: 

Tracking Movement Of Clients With An ABI Through The System From Acute Care Into The Community: What Does It 

Tell Us And What Else Might We Need to Know? 


Angela Colantonio, Toronto Rehab and University of Toronto (Toronto) 

Additional Authors: 

Rika Vander Laan RN,MScN; Daria Parsons MSc.; Brandon Zagorski MS 

Summary: 

What happens to clients with an ABI in Ontario, once they leave the hospital system, is generally unknown. Movement and 

utilization of services within Alternative Level of Care (ALC) beds, the homecare system, in long term and complex continuing 

care, and in physician offices has not been previously quantified. The ABI Dataset pilot project was developed to address this 

issue and is the first registry in the world that centralizes information on ABI from both traumatic and non traumatic causes. In 

Phase 1 of the ABI Dataset pilot project, existing administrative data from the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System 

(NACRS), Discharge Abstract Dataset (DAD) and National Rehabilitation Reporting System (NRS), was identified as an 

important source of information that enables mapping the trajectory of individuals with an ABI from acute care to various 

discharge destinations throughout the continuum of care. In a subsequent phase, the data were analyzed by Local Health 

Integration Networks (LHINs) comparing regional data to provincial and also examining ALC. The data are made available to 

improve efficiencies (ALC days) and reduce inequities of access by Local Health Integration Networks province wide. Findings 

on LHIN variability and ALC utilization will be presented. The second phase is now examining the movement of the ABI cohort 

into the community specifically tracking ABI clients into home care, long term and complex continuing care, as well as visits to 

physician offices. The data have been extracted from the Continuing Care Reporting System (CCRS), Home Care Reporting 

System (HCRS) and Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) data. Characteristics of ABI cases, frequency of visits, comparison 

of TBI and non TBI (NTBI) populations and costs associated with each sector will be presented. 

Project Outcomes: Persons with NTBI were significantly older and had longer length of acute care stay compared to TBI 

cases. Approximately 8% resulted in inpatient rehabilitation annually with 11% of hospitalizations incurring alternate level of 

care (ALC) days signifying delays in placement/referral to community services. In Ontario, for ABI clients who spent time in 

ALC, the mean ALC days for TBI clients was 17.8 days (SD 26) with a median of 10. For NTBI, the mean was 21.7 (SD=36.8) 

while the median was 10. Overall, NTBI patients are less likely to have discharge disposition of rehabilitation. On discharge 

from rehabilitation, TBI clients were more likely to be discharged to the community /home (62%) when compared to NTBI 

community/home (58%). Results also indicate there is considerable variation across LHINs. 

Learning Objectives: 

This session will focus on the results across LHINs, client movement from acute care, ALC, into rehab, home care, long term 

and complex continuing care, as well as visits to physician offices. Characteristics of ABI cases, frequency of visits, 

comparison of TBI and non TBI (NTBI) populations and costs associated with each sector will be presented. This interactive 

workshop will engage the participants in examining the data and exploring its relevance and utility for system development, 

policy development, evaluation, practice and address further research questions. Participants will be asked to answer the 

questions: is this useful information, what else is it we need to know and how do we make the information accessible and 

relevant to plan and evaluate care. 


Dr. Angela Colantonio is a Senior Research Scientist at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, where she holds the Saunderson 

Family Chair in Acquired Brain Injury Research. She is also a professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Colantonio has 

studied the epidemiology of disability in older people with acquired brain injury, dementia and stroke. Her current focus is on 

knowledge mobilization, innovative interventions, gender issues and aging related to acquired brain injury. 

16




Title: 

“Never Give Up": A Teenager's Journey To Recover From Traumatic Brain Injury 


A. J. Fordham 


Angela Fordham 

Summary: 

Imagine the most helpless, hopeless feeling in your life. Now imagine that your eyes won't open, you cannot whisper let alone 

talk, you have no expressive response to pain and cannot even make yourself roll over... Share my inspiring and motivational 

journey with me during this 45 minute presentation. The presentation includes a 22 minute DVD showing me through the 

various stages of my life. This journey will show who I was prior to my crash, the critical stages in the Paediatric Critical Care 

Unit of the Children's Hospital of London, Ontario where I was diagnosed with a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Continue along 

with my transfer up to the 7th floor of the Children's Hospital. Then follow my progress onto Parkwood Hospital for 

rehabilitation where I relearned how to talk, walk, eat, dress myself etc. all over again. Watch as I triumphantly return home to 

continue my rehabilitation & become an Olympic Torchbearer. 


In my rehab, I had to re-learn all the basic functions in life that we all take for granted, such as breathing, eating, walking, 

talking, reading, writing, remembering and learning. Rehabilitation has been challenging, but my mindset through all of this is 

that I had to do it, and to "Never give up". I learned some valuable lessons during my recovery and I would like to share these 

messages of hope with the audience that no matter what their challenge that they can achieve their goals if they put their mind 

to it. My DVD shows my transition and my drive to continue and "Never Give Up". 


A.J. Fordham is a young man who, at 16 years old, had everything going for him. On January 20th, 2007 that all changed 

forever. He was involved in a car crash. His injuries were critical. It was said that if he survived, he would be severely 

compromised. A.J. sustained a severe traumatic brain injury; however, his doctors also gave his family hope. 

A.J. is 20 years old and speaks on the important subject of injury prevention, to hopefully prevent such injuries from happening 

to others. A.J. just returned from presenting at the World Safety Conference in London, England which was attended by 

practitioners, researchers, and policy makers from 130 countries. His film “Never Give Up” received an honorable mention by 

the International Safety Media Awards. A.J. speaks on behalf of the Children’s Hospital of London Ontario as one of their 

“Miracle Children”. 

17




Title: 

The Next Two Decades: A Framework For Culturally Competent Rehabilitation Practice 


Caron Gan, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto) 

Summary: 

According to a recent study by Statistics Canada, the diversity of Canada's population will continue to increase significantly 

during the next two decades. The proportion of visible minorities are expected to double in almost all Ontario cities, including 

Barrie, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, Oshawa and Peterborough. With the growing diversity of our client population, it is 

imperative that rehabilitation professionals have the necessary tools to interact effectively with clients from different cultural 

backgrounds. Rehabilitation providers often struggle to effectively serve individuals with brain injury and families who speak 

different languages. More importantly, perspectives of disability can vary widely depending on one's ethno-cultural 

background, and these differences in cultural belief systems can influence families' help seeking behaviours and their 

approach to rehabilitation. This workshop will provide clinicians with a practical framework for effective assessment, 

interaction, and intervention with clients and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Key domains of the framework include: • Health and illness beliefs • Perceptions of TBI through a multi-cultural lens • Family 

belief systems and response to disability • Diversity of help seeking practices • Differences in value orientation • Tips for 

interviewing clients from diverse cultures • Dealing with language and cultural barriers • Self reflection on personal values, 

beliefs, and biases. 

The workshop will conclude with a discussion on strategies to enhance one's cultural competence. By incorporating cultural 

awareness into daily practice, we can strive to reduce barriers and enhance systems of care for culturally diverse client 

populations. 


Heighten awareness of the diversity of belief systems, perspectives of disability, and help seeking practices of clients 

and families from culturally diverse communities. 

Introduce a practical framework for enhancing clinicians' cultural competence in rehabilitation practice. 

Provide tools for effective assessment, interaction, and intervention with clients and families from different cultural 

backgrounds. 


Caron Gan is a registered nurse and a registered marriage and family therapist with the Ontario and American Association for 

Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). For the past 20 years of a more than 30 year career in health care and rehabilitation, 

she has worked with clients with acquired brain injury providing psychotherapeutic intervention to youth, adults, couples, and 

families in both public and private sectors. Caron has given over 140 keynote addresses, workshops, and peer-reviewed 

presentations at local, provincial and international conferences. 

As an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved supervisor, she also provides clinical 

supervision around family therapy intervention. Through the Bloorview Research Institute, she has been principal coinvestigator 

on studies of family system outcome after brain injury and has published several manuscripts in international peerreviewed 

journals. As the lead developer of an empirically-based intervention for adolescents with brain injury and their 

families (BIFI-A), she conducts training in the United States and Canada on family intervention after acquired brain injury. 

18




Title: 

Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment For Sleep Disturbance In Clients With Brain Injury 


Sarah Vernon-Scott, Brainworks (London) 


Arden McGregor 

Summary: 

Sleep disturbance in those rehabilitating from ABI is a ubiquitous treatment issue (Castriotta et al., 2007; Oullet et al., 2006; 

Rao et al, 2008). It comes in many forms: insomnia, hypersomnia, nonrestorative sleep, “reversed” days and nights, etc. 

Regardless of the type, sleep disturbance can lead clients to experience significant fatigue that can decrease their quality of 

life and influence their ability to participate in their physical and cognitive rehabilitation. Depression, anxiety, posttraumatic 

stress symptoms, pain, sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea), medications or comorbid medical conditions can all be contributing 

factors. While some view sleep disturbance as a barrier to rehabilitation, there is ample evidence that sleep can be improved 

with short-term cognitive-behavioural intervention (National Institute of Health, 2005; Oullet et al., 2004). The theoretical basis 

for cognitive-behavioural treatment for sleep disturbance will be introduced. Assessment methods, including the use of sleep 

diaries, clinical interviews, psychometric measurement, consultation and collateral information will be explicated. Through the 

use of illustrative clinical case studies and research literature, the key elements of treatment, including behavioural monitoring, 

psychoeducation, goal setting, environmental considerations, developing healthy routines and structure, etc. will also be 

reviewed, with special consideration of how to appropriately tailor existing interventions for clients with ABI. 


To identify the influence that sleep disturbance can have on every other aspect of brain injury rehabilitation. 

To learn to view sleep as a goal of rehabilitation rather than a barrier to rehabilitation. 

To understand the theoretical underpinnings to cognitive-behavioural treatment of sleep disturbance. 

To identify and the key elements of the assessment and treatment protocol for sleep disturbance in an ABI 

population. 

To recognize the evidence both from the research literature and clinical case studies that demonstrate the efficacy 

and effectiveness of this intervention 


Dr. Sarah Vernon-Scott is a clinical psychologist with a focus on community-based rehabilitation. She has been working at 

Brainworks in London, Ontario and the surrounding area, since completing her residency in Behavioural Medicine at London 

Health Sciences Centre in 2007. Dr. Vernon-Scott collaborates with her Brainworks colleagues to develop innovative and 

practical programs for clients with brain injuries. She works hand-in-hand with rehabilitation therapists and other health 

professionals to implement evidence-based interventions for individual clients. While completing her dissertation, examining 

the physical and mental health of caregivers of people with dementia, and training in various medical settings, she came to 

appreciate the importance of supporting clients with cognitive-behavioural interventions to implement healthy daily routines, 

including sleep and physical exercise, for the benefit of their physical health, mental health, and overall rehabilitation. She had 

the pleasure of presenting with her colleague about behavioural activation at the ABI Network Conference in 2008. 

19




Title: 

Financial Cost Recovery Strategies For Families Impacted By Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Identifying Accessible 

Financial Supports For ABI Affected Families 


Anthony Hutchinson, BNRC/Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advance Learning (Brampton) 

Summary: 

The financial impacts for families facing ABI can be insurmountable. In addition to medical, psychological and social pressures 

that occur for families, the knowledge needed for accessible financial education and supports such as tax credit information 

and navigating governmental departments such as ODSP and the medical system is an area that challenges many families. 

This presentation provides conference attendees with eight useful tips to optimize access to vital financial support 

opportunities for families impacted by ABI. A checklist resource tool demystifies contingent, exacerbating stressors often 

associated with ABI, namely, family financial pressures. 


To review traditional issues associated with ABI: affective, behavioral, cognitive, medical, psychological and so on. 

To present the economic costs and financial burdens associated with ABI on impacted families in the GTA. 

To provide a range of financial remedies for families impacted by ABI that can help families navigate some of the 

financial burdens of ABI. 

To offer an eight point resource that can help demystify financial support remedies for families impacted by ABI and, 

subsequently, help ameliorate family stress. 


Dr. Anthony Hutchinson is a published author in the areas of social work, community development, and social determinants of 

health and community safety. From 2006 to 2010, Dr, Hutchinson was Chief Executive Officer of the City of Brampton’s largest 

charitable, not-for-profit community and social service support organization. Dr. Hutchinson has held teaching appointments at 

Sheridan College, Ryerson University and Wilfred Laurier University. Currently, he is a professor in the School of Community 

and Social Services at Humber College. In addition to being a long-time Professional Accountant, Program Evaluator, Project 

Manager and Applied Researcher, Dr. Hutchinson holds expert witness status on matters of social and cultural consideration 

in criminal assessment and testimony under the Ontario Court of Justice. 

In early 2009, Dr. Hutchinson was one of ten people from across Canada awarded the prestigious 2008 Federal Citation for 

Citizenship Award by the Government of Canada. 

20




Title: 

Helping Hand: A Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Group 


Janet Woodhouse, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto) 


Janet Bernstein; Anna Marie Batelaan; Kathy Gravel; Gail Kirkwood 

Summary: 

Helping Hand a constraint induced movement therapy group combines occupationally based treatment with client and parental 

support. The development and outcomes of this program for children with ABI and stroke is highlighted. Results reveal positive 

changes in occupational performance, and upper extremity function with carryover noted at six months. Positive reports from 

parents and participants indicated high levels of satisfaction with the program. 

Introduction: Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) research demonstrates improved upper extremity function for 

children who have an acquired brain injury (ABI) or stroke (Gordon et al, 2007). These findings have contributed to client and 

family hopes and expectations for motor recovery, coupled with an increased demand for service. In response to this demand 

and following a best practice review, the Helping Hand Program, a group based modified CIMT program was developed. This 

interdisciplinary program combines occupationally based treatment techniques promoting self-care and play, with client and 

parental support groups. 

Objective: This presentation highlights the development and outcomes of the Helping Hand Program for 17 children with ABI 

or stroke aged 3- 16 years. Methods: Inclusion criteria and program curriculum were developed, which incorporated the 

concepts of shaping and grading of activities. Pre and post program assessments including the Assisting Hand Assessment, 

Motor Activity Log, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and qualitative 

questionnaires were administered. Follow-up at 6 months post program was conducted. 

Results: Positive changes in occupational performance, upper extremity function and clients' perceptions of performance were 

found. Follow-up at 6 months supported maintenance of skills. Parents report increased motivation and participation in group 

based programming. 

Conclusion: The Helping Hand program provides children with acquired brain injuries opportunities for participation in a 

responsive family centred context. Constraint induced movement therapy when provided in a supportive group context with an 

emphasis on occupation provides a “sea of possibilities” for clients, families and clinicians. 


Janet Woodhouse works on the Brain Injury Rehabilitation team at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She works 

in a family centered program with children and youth who have sustained acquired brain injuries. Janet Woodhouse and Janet 

Bernstein are Occupational Therapists who have extensive clinical experience working with children with neurological 

conditions. 

Anna Marie Batelaan and Kathy Gravel are Social Workers who have a wealth of experience working with children and 

families. 

The group will be presenting, Helping Hand, a collaborative pediatric Constraint Induced Movement Therapy program offered 

since 2008 at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. 

21




Title: 

Positive Outcomes Following Long-Term Rehabilitation For Individuals With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury 


Mary Anne Ostapovitch, Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (Calgary) 

Summary: 

Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI) is a pioneer in community-based rehabilitation for individuals with 

severe brain injury. These individuals are often given little hope of recovery. We believe that every individual deserves to live 

their best possible life following severe brain injury. Individuals are referred to ARBI by physicians and rehabilitation 

professionals approximately 2 years post-injury. This presentation will highlight: 1) ARBI's unique cost-effective service 

delivery model 2) positive outcomes for individuals with severe traumatic brain injury. 

Outcomes: On admission to ARBI, most clients resided in hospitals or long-term care centers. At discharge the majority reside 

in personal care homes or their own homes. Participation in the community increased from admission (0-1 time per week) to 

discharge or present (2-3 times/week). The Rappaport Disability Rating Scale scores reflected severe disability at admission 

with moderate-severe disability at discharge or at present. Rancho Los Amigos scores increased from an average of 5.3 to 6.1 

for discharged clients and an average of 5.6 to 5.9 for active clients. The Chedoke-McMaster Activity Inventory scores 

increased from an average of 32 to 45.5/100 for discharged clients and an average of 33.6 to 38.6/100 for active clients. 


To demonstrate that individuals who have survived the most severe brain injury can continue to demonstrate functional 

improvement for years following injury allowing them to reside and actively participate in their communities. 


Denise Lawson has extensive experience in the field of physiotherapy for neurological and vestibular conditions having 

practiced for over 25 years. She received a Bachelors degree in Physical and Occupational Therapy at the University of British 

Columbia. Denise has worked in hospital, community and private practice and has been a member of the Association for the 

Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI) team for eight years. Denise has been involved in the design and pilot phase of one 

of ARBI’s current research projects: the CAMMRI, an assessment measure for minimally responsive individuals. 

22




Title: 

Working Memory Training For Patients With Acquired Brain Injury: Effects In Daily Life 


Berit Johansson, Hjärnskadecenter - Brain Injury Center (Stockholm) 


Marjana Tornmalm 

Summary: 

Working memory deficits are common after brain injury and have important implications on patients' functioning in daily life. 

Working memory and executive functions are considered a prerequisite for goal-directed and purposeful cognitive functioning. 

Research by Klingberg et al show the possibility to improve working memory by training. Improvement has been shown in a 

variety of groups however not yet on patients with moderate to severe brain damage. The overall aim of this study was to 

examine if patients with moderate to severe brain damage benefit from working memory training in managing daily life 

challenges. A working memory training programme was adapted based on current research and clinical expertise. A 

prospective cohort study in naturalistic setting was arranged. Subjects were 18 patients with brain injury acquired in adulthood, 

mean 47,5 years, mean time post onset was 7 years. 

The programme consists of three components. 1. Working memory training with a computer software (ReMemo© from 

Cogmed Cognitive Medical Systems AB, Stockholm, Sweden). 2. Peer support as in the opportunity to interchange 

experiences of working memory training, deficits and strategies was offered to participants. 3. Education was given to 

participants aiming to enhance self-awareness and knowledge about compensatory strategies. 

The following outcome measures were used. Statistics from the ReMemo computer software. Cognitive Failures Questionnaire 

(CFQ). Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). A diary on the comments of participants. A semi-structured 

interview at the individual follow-up. All participants improved on training index generated by ReMemo. Type of injury (stroke, 

tumor, trauma), age or time post brain injury did not affect the size of improvement. Start index ranged from 45-85 and max 

index ranged from 75 -110. Patients with low start index showed a greater improvement. Self-assessment with CFQ (start 

score M=54,2) showed a tendency of improvement post training and at a 6-month follow up. COPM and the qualitative data 

indicate that patients experienced improvement in daily life. There seems to be no correlation between the reported 

improvement in daily life functioning and the size of improvement on ReMemo. Patients reported on a growing knowledge 

about the cause of difficulties and a readiness to use strategies when meeting challenges in daily life. These and further 

results will be presented. 


Clinical points: It is meaningful to use the ReMemo software in working memory training with patients with moderate to severe 

BI. Patients with BI may benefit from working memory training irrespective of age, time post injury or severity of cognitive 

dysfunction. Qualitative data indicate that the setting of training is important. Education and peer support in addition to 

computer training is as important according to reports from participants. Participants report positive effects in daily life after 

training. 


Berit Johansson graduated as an occupational therapist in 1987. She works at Hjarnskadecenter in Stockholm, a centre for 

persons with acquired brain injury in Sweden. She works as part of a multidisciplinary team giving support to persons who 

have suffered from brain injury and their families. She works with adolescents and adults with significant and permanent 

intellectual functional disabilities in the post rehabilitation phase. Working memory deficits are common after brain injury and 

have important implications on daily life functioning. Persons with working memory deficits often experience a loss of 

independence, coherence in daily life, and feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. At Hjarnskadecenter, we constructed a working 

memory training programme based on research evidence of fruitful interventions. The programme evolved around Cogmed 

computer software training with added education, strategy training and peer support. A study was made to examine if the 

working memory training programme had an effect on the acquired brain injury person’s ability to manage daily life challenges. 

23




Title: 

Families After Brain Injury: Psycho-Educational And Support Group Intervention 


Clare Brandys, Community Head Injury Resource Services (Toronto) 


Diana Brouwer 

Summary: 

Caregiving by family members following ABI can be a very challenging experience. This presentation focuses on the 

perceptions of and outcomes of family members involved in psycho-educational and support groups conducted through one of 

CHIRS' programs. Discussion will focus on ways to provide flexible, long-term services to families following the acute care 

course of ABI. 


Caregiving by family members following ABI can be a challenging experience. Family members often require education, 

support, and attention to their own needs(Boschen et al, 2008). We are conducting psycho-educational groups with the goal of 

greater continuity of care for families involved in the ABI system. A flexible model, given variable needs post-injury, is being 

used. Participants rate life satisfaction, stress and burden, caregiving needs, and consumer satisfaction with the intervention. 

We will present on perceptions gained from the group members and outcomes of the groups for participants. We will also 

discuss planning for the groups, collaborating with ABI services, and working with caregivers who are often stressed and 

limited in their time and the other resources. 

Recommendations for further group interventions, and the challenges of providing flexible, long-term interventions for families 

post-ABI in the community-based healthcare system will be discussed. 


Dr. Clare Brandys works as neuropsychological consultant at Community Head Injury Resource Services (CHIRS) part-time, 

and has a full-time independent practice in clinical neuropsychology. She is a consultant for the NEAR clinic at St. Michael’s 

Hospital. 

Dr. Brandys has worked in the field of acquired brain injury rehabilitation for the past 25 years, in a variety of hospital, 

outpatient clinic, and community settings. She was previously the clinical leader of the Acquired Brain Injury program at 

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and worked with the St. Michael’s Hospital head injury team. Her clinical emphasis has been 

on neurobehavioural education to assist clients and their families in their understanding and coping with the cognitive, 

emotional and behavioural effects of brain injury. 

Dr. Brandys is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. She was the principal 

investigator on three Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) grants focused on brain injury best practices and was part of a 

research team studying family caregivers following acquired brain injury. 

24




Title: 

Sexuality, Safety & Smarts: Creative Sexuality Education Strategies For Youth With ABI 


Douglas Schmidt, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto) 


Heather Keating; Beverly Solomon; Stephanie Willison 

Summary: 

Youth with ABI may have challenges with sexuality because of losing previous knowledge, and difficulties with comprehension, 

assertiveness, and impulse control. Rehabilitation staff play a key role in supporting the development of health sexuality. This 

presentation describes a workshop for 16 to 25 year olds entitled Sexuality, Safety and Smarts. Participants were screened 

prior to attendance and the group was facilitated by four staff members from different rehabilitation professions. Eighteen 

clients with a broad range of cognitive and health issues attended. The group was started with identifying group guidelines and 

an ice-breaker activity. The group was focused on “Being Safe in a Relationship”. This was discussed using a framework of 

Red Light, Yellow Light, and Green Light behaviours. Red Light behaviours were defined as not okay because they are illegal, 

non-mutual, uncomfortable, unsafe, or scary. Yellow Light behaviours were defined as sometimes okay depending on the 

situation. Green Light behaviours were defined as okay because they are appropriate, safe, comfortable, and mutually 

respectful. This tri-colour model was used to explore each of three stages of relationship development: Flirting, Dating, and 

Sexuality. The group was felt to be successful for a variety of reasons. All clients participated despite having very different 

levels of ability. In addition, pre and post questionnaires were administered to evaluate knowledge of and comfort with talking 

about sexuality. Scores indicated enjoyment and increased knowledge. As well, despite some statements by clients who had 

difficulties with disinhibition, facilitators were able to redirect the discussion and keep participants focused. 


Practical strategies for running a group for educating youth with ABI about sexuality will be provided. 


Dr. Douglas Schmidt works in Toronto at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada’s largest pediatric 

rehabilitation facility. He runs support groups for youth and is passionate about supporting people with disabilities. Dr. Schmidt 

is a psychologist who works in a program called, Family Support Service, providing treatment and assessment services for 

young adult survivors of brain injury (ages 16-25). He also works with the Toronto District School Board. 

25




Title: 

Canine Potential Unleashed: An Old Dog Teaches New Tricks 


Rebecca Swift-Weir, Brain Injury Services Muskoka Simcoe (Barrie) 

Summary: 

Exploring the Potential for the Use of Service Dogs in Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation: 

Service animals are commonly used to assist persons with disabilities and to promote independence. The unconditional 

acceptance that dogs provide can be a powerful tool in motivating participants to work toward their goals. Animal-assisted 

interventions (AAI) are designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning of the participant, as well 

as provide educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. In this presentation audience members will learn about 

the facility dog program at Brain Injury Services Muskoka Simcoe (BIS). Through the Independence Training and Day 

Programs at BIS, participants have the opportunity to work with a fully trained service dog. Creemore, a six year old golden 

retriever works with participants on their goals in areas including communication, assertiveness, self esteem, planning and 

organization and more. Examples and scenarios of sessions will be presented and workshop participants will have the 

opportunity for hands on activities with the dog. 


The presentation will outline the program currently in place at BIS and, through anecdotal reports from participants, explore the 

effectiveness of using a facility dog in ABI rehabilitation. Workshop participants will explore how rehabilitation professionals 

can utilize the power of canine assisted interventions to assist participants in reaching their goals. 


Rebecca Swift-Weir is a registered nurse who has worked in the field of acquired brain injury for over fourteen years. For the 

past nine years she has worked at Brain Injury Services Muskoka Simcoe (BIS), a publicly funded community reintegration, 

outreach and adult day service program for people living with the effects of acquired brain injury. 

In 2008 Rebecca coordinated and implemented an animal assisted activity program at Brain Injury Services. Creemore, a 

specially trained seven year old Golden Retriever, works with Rebecca to assist and motivate participants in reaching their 

communication, assertiveness and organization goals. Creemore has undergone extensive training and graduated with her 

MHW (Masters of Human Whispering) from COPE Service Dogs. She is currently the sole canine member at BIS. 

26




Title: 

Clinical Guidelines For The Care Of Persisting Symptoms After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury 


Shawn Marshall, The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (Ottawa) 


Mark Bayley; Scott McCullagh; Diana Velikonja; Lindsay Berrigan 

Summary: 

The overall objective was to create a guideline that can be used by healthcare professionals to implement evidence-based, 

best practice care of individuals who incur a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and experience persisting symptoms. Persisting 

symptoms are a common complication of mTBI; 10 to 15% of patients will continue to experience significant symptoms beyond 

the normal recovery period, which can include post-traumatic headache, sleep disturbance, disorders of balance, cognitive 

impairments, fatigue, and mood disorders. Currently, best practice treatment is not clearly defined for this complex group who 

may even exhibit worsening of symptoms or emergence of additional symptoms following injury. Therefore, the following 

clinical questions were asked: Can a management plan be developed to screen for patients at high-risk of persisting 

symptoms and, once identified, to treat these symptoms? 

To achieve this goal, a search for existing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) addressing mTBI was carried out. Next, a 

systematic review of the literature evaluating effectiveness of treatments for persistent symptoms was conducted. A search for 

CPGs and systematic reviews from outside of the TBI field providing guidance on management of the most common persistent 

symptoms was also completed. An expert consensus conference was held where healthcare professionals representing a 

wide range of disciplines from across Canada and abroad were brought together to review the existing guidance and evidence 

and to attempt to develop a comprehensive guideline. Although several methodologically sound CPGs were identified, only 

one focused on mTBI and that document primarily dealt with acute management. Thus, there is a clear need for guidance on 

the care of patients with persisting symptoms. CPGs from outside of the TBI field were found for the symptom categories: 

sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood disorders, and cognitive deficits. Although the mTBI evidence base was found to be limited, 

by adapting recommendations from CPGs addressing TBI or symptoms that commonly persist following mTBI in general, as 

well as by developing new recommendations based on available evidence and clinical expertise, a clinical guideline was 

created to ameliorate this practice gap. The guideline includes recommendations on assessment, diagnosis and management 

of persistent symptoms after mTBI. In addition, the recommendations are accompanied by numerous resources and tools to 

aid clinicians. 


The objective of the presentation is to educate and advise healthcare professionals on how to implement evidence-based care 

of patients with mTBI experiencing persisting symptoms. Persisting symptoms are a common complication; however, best 

practice treatment for these patients has not been clearly defined. Therefore, an expert consensus group representing a wide 

range of disciplines has developed recommendations aimed at screening for patients at high-risk of persisting symptoms and 

treating the most common symptoms. A treatment algorithm will be presented and learning outcomes will include how and 

when to provide follow-up care, seek referrals, and deliver appropriate treatment options. 


Dr. Shawn Marshall is a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation and Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa. 

His clinical practice focuses on acquired brain injury rehabilitation. He is the Medical Director of the Acquired Brain Injury 

program at the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. He has a Masters of Science degree in Community Health and 

Epidemiology and is active in research involving brain injury rehabilitation as well as driving and disability. Dr. Marshall is a coprinciple 

investigator for CanDRIVE II, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Team on Older Person Driving. 

27




Title: 

School Reintegration For Children And Youth With Acquired Brain Injury 


Dawn Good, Brock University (St. Catharines) 


Peter Rumney; Janette McDougall; Sheila Bennett; Rhonda Martinussen; Carole DeMatteo; Patricia McKeever; Denise 

Guerriere; Sue Loyst; John Kumpf; Nancy DeCourville 

Summary: 

Acquired brain injury (ABI) in school-aged children and youth results in serious disruption to new and previously learned skills, 

and interruption to neurological development, both of which affect students' functional outcomes (Galvin & Mandalis, 2009). 

Injury severity and neuropsychological test scores are single handedly not the best predictors of outcome for children and 

youth with ABI. The child's environment, participation, and community integration are particularly critical for physical, social, 

behavioural, and cognitive functioning (Ehrenfors, Borell & Hemmingsson, 2009; Wells, Mines, & Phillips, 2009). Since the 

school environment is predominately where students spend most of their time and experience changes and growth in their 

functional abilities, educators are influential in a student's neural progress and recovery. To that end, their knowledge and 

support is critical for fostering student development. Improvements in children's academic participation and social acceptance 

are expected when functional behaviour assessment, theory, and education incorporating intervention plans into classroom 

practice are used (Feeney & Ylvisaker, 2008; Davis, 2003; Ylvisaker & Feeney, 2003) as well as, considerations of familial 

support, environmental factors, and pre-injury status (Fay, Yeates, Drotar, Wade & Stancin, 2009; Bennett & Wynne, 2006). 

However, to date, no critical evaluation of the types of successful supports being used has been empirically examined. The 

current study involves a province-wide multi-centred approach (involving cooperation amongst Ontario 's Children's 

Treatments Centres, School Boards' principals and teachers, children/youth who have experienced ABI and their family who 

have been selected for participation through representative sampling). We provide a (statistical) model of the factors that 

influence a students' successful reintegration (as defined by academic, socio-emotional, and interpersonal success) and their 

relative contribution to predicting the students' outcomes by investigating several measures regarding the student (severity of 

injury, academic performance pre- and post-injury, neurocognitive and behavioural/emotional status), the school system 

(policy and procedures with respect to service delivery, teacher knowledge, attitudes, instructional approach) and the family 

(perspective, coping). 


We provide a (statistical) model of the factors that influence a students' successful reintegration (as defined by academic, 

socio-emotional, and interpersonal success) and their relative contribution to predicting the students' outcomes by 

investigating several measures regarding the student (severity of injury, academic performance pre- and post-injury, 

neurocognitive and behavioural/emotional status), the school system (policy and procedures with respect to service delivery, 

teacher knowledge, attitudes, instructional approach) and the family (perspective, coping). 


Dr. Dawn Good is a researcher in the field of acquired brain injury, in both paediatric and adult populations. She is a Research 

Associate of the Lifespan Development Research Institute at Brock University and is a practicing Registered Psychologist 

(Ontario) specializing in the fields of Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation with paediatric and adult populations. 

In addition to teaching core courses on Brain and Behaviour at the Undergraduate and Graduate University levels, she has 

also co-designed and taught the acquired brain injury (ABI) Certification Programs for professionals in the field, a continuing 

education program offered through Brock University in partnership with the Ontario Brain Injury Association. These programs 

have certified over 3000 persons in Canada, and beyond, to work in the field of acquired brain injury. 

28 

Dr. Good has participated on many local health boards and remains an active member of the health and ABI community. She 

has held many research grants and has published and presented extensively in the area of brain injury in provincial, national 

and international conferences and journals with a particular academic interest that spans the continuum of mild to severe brain 

injuries. Dr. Good is concerned with the impact of neural disruption on the individual’s capacity for social reintegration and 

inclusion.




Title: 

The Effectiveness Of Self-Awareness Group Therapy Program For Adults With Long-Term Brain Injuries 


Bruce Linder, Brain Injury Services (Hamilton) 

Summary: 

Twenty-two adults with long-standing brain injuries participated in seven weekly two-hour group sessions to enhance selfawareness 

skills. The group leaders facilitated coping skills and self-awareness raising activities which included educational 

discussions and videos, cognitive and daily living skill activities and a group "trivia" game. Clients were encouraged to predict 

their performance and re-evaluate their performance after group activities and video feedback. 


Considerable research has been conducted on the effectiveness of different techniques of improving the self-awareness 

deficits often accompanying brain injuries. Most of these studies were conducted with adults in the early stages of recovery. 

Little is known about the effectiveness of such techniques with those with long-standing injuries. Twenty-two adults with longstanding 

brain injuries serviced at Brain Injury Services of Hamilton participated in seven weekly two-hour group sessions 

organized in two groups and lead by two staff each. Coping skills and self-awareness-raising activities were partly based on 

activities found to be effective in the existing literature and included: educational discussions and videos, cognitive and daily 

living skill activities with feedback, and a group “trivia”-game activity. Clients were encouraged to predict their performance and 

re-evaluate their performance after group, group leader, and video feedback. The effectiveness of the group intervention was 

assessed by a pre-intervention vs. post-intervention comparison of two measures: multiple-choice knowledge tests of the 

information given during the seven sessions, and the Patient Competency Ratings scales (Prigatano) (PCR) completed by 

staff and clients. The results indicated that both knowledge and self-awareness improved from pre-to-post testing, implying 

that the group intervention was effective. The implications of these finding for the management and treatment of severe selfawareness 

deficits will be discussed. 


Dr. Bruce Linder received his PhD in 1985 from McMaster University in Experimental Psychology (Developmental). He 

interned at the Behavioural Medicine Unit at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, Ontario and at the Hamilton Board of 

Education from 1984-1986. He registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario in 1986 and is a member of the 

Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (CRHSPP). He co-founded the private practice of Pryor, Linder 

and Associates in Oakville with Dr. Colin Pryor in 1985. Dr. Linder is a Director with Safe Management Group Inc. 

Dr. Linder’s designated area of specialization is rehabilitation psychology. He is currently Clinical Director at Brain Injury 

Services of Hamilton, consulting behavioural psychologist to the Acquired Brain Injury Program at CMHS of St. Joseph’s 

Healthcare, Hamilton and consulting psychologist to the Niagara Catholic District School Board. He is also Adjunct Assistant 

Professor in the Department of Psychology, McMaster University. 

29




Title: 

Telephone Follow Up: Supporting Transitions Of Patients With Stroke And Acquired Brain Injury 


Heidi Reznick, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 


Iona Yim; Ramona Mileris 

Summary: 

The Telephone Follow Up (TFU) Project was developed in response to literature and best practice guidelines that identify the 

chronic nature of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Stroke related disabilities and support the need for ongoing follow up after 

discharge from a rehabilitation facility. A TFU Screening Tool was implemented with all Stroke and ABI Inpatients and 

Outpatients at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute as part of an eight month demonstration project. The benefits, feasibility and 

sustainability of this initiative were evaluated. 


The objective of the Telephone Follow Up Project (TFU) is to provide consistent follow up for all Neurorehab patients and to 

improve transitions to community living. The philosophy of the project supports patient/caregiver self advocacy and utilization 

of community resources. The project incorporates processes to screen for urgent medical issues, allowing patients to be 

connected to physiatrist resources. Patients were phoned 3 weeks (inpatients) or 2 months (outpatients) post-discharge by a 

member of the inter-disciplinary team, who administered the TFU Screening Tool. Outcomes evaluated during the project 

included: resource utilization, patient/caregiver issues identified after discharge, and staff and patient/caregiver satisfaction. 

The TFU project was found to be a non-resource intensive initiative that serves to facilitate transitions and meet best practice 

guidelines. Knowledge gained around issues encountered after discharge will be valuable in guiding future practice. 


Iona Yim received her MSc OT from the University of Toronto. Clinically she has worked along the continuum of care in both 

the area of geriatrics and neuro-rehabilitation. In addition to her clinical work, Iona has a strong interest and is involved in 

various quality improvement initiatives. In order to achieve a work-life balance, Iona enjoys staying active by dancing, running 

and traveling. 

30


Poster Presentations 

The following poster presentations were submitted in response to a call for abstracts and selected by blind-review process. 

Poster Presentation 

Poster ID: 01 Location: Johnston 

Title: 

A Look Into Accessible Public Transportation For People In Toronto Who Have Acquired Brain Injuries 


Nadia Elsayed, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 

Summary: 

Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) can have various impacts on a person's functioning. One's ability to travel on the currently 

available methods of public transportation in Toronto can be limited post- ABI . Thus, public transit (rather than the ABI ) can 

be dis-abling to some people. A survey distributed at an ABI agency in Toronto shows that some people with ABIs who do not 

use mobility devices and/or do not have obvious physical disabilities could benefit from the city's door-to-door accessible 

public transit service which they are currently excluded from based on present eligibility criteria for this service. A change to 

the eligibility criteria could increase the independence of some people with ABIs and could also increase their participation in 

society. Opening up the service to adults with ABIs would not likely be a large financial cost, as many of these people have 

other methods of transportation that they can use. 

Learning Objective: 

As Ontario implements new legislation to increase accessibility for people affected by disabilities, we must consider how 

disability is defined, and how that definition may exclude people with certain types of disabilities. Public transit in Toronto is 

changing to make their conventional transit services more accessible to those who experience physical disabilities. This 

means that fewer of these people will need to rely on the city's door-to-door accessible transit service. Once this happens, will 

these door-to-door services be opened up to people who experience less visible disabilities (such as ABIs) who may not be 

able to use conventional transit? Raising awareness of the need for accessible (and affordable) transit for ALL Ontarians is 

needed during this time of changes and so-called inclusion. 

31




Title: 

Augmentative And Alternative Communication (AAC) For ABI 


Megan Wood, The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada (Richmond Hill) 

Summary: 

An overview of what augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to ways (other than speech) that are used to 

send messages from one person to another. AAC systems can use a combination of techniques to improve communications 

including: picture communication displays, written language, speech-generating technology, and specialized computer 

systems. This presentation further explains AAC and how it can help children, adolescents, and adults who are difficult to 

understand and/or non-verbal. 


Learning how AAC can help the client/family member. How you as a communication partner can facilitate communication 

competence. How AAC can help reduce frustration of client and communication partners, therefore improving quality of life. 

32




Title: 

Characterization And Treatment Of Benign Positional Vertigo In Patients With Mild Or Moderate Traumatic Brain 

Injury 


Jane Topolovec-Vranic, St. Michael’s Hospital (Toronto) 


Mary Ann Pollmann-Mudryj; Paula Porumbaceanu; Alicja Michalak; Donna Ouchterlony; John A Rutka; Cheryl Masanic 

Summary: 

PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot project was to explore the clinical presentation of Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV) in a 

traumatic brain injury (TBI) population, and to determine whether BPV, a form of post-traumatic dizziness, can be effectively 

treated at the bedside using a non-invasive intervention known as the Particle Repositioning Maneuver (PRM). 

RELEVANCE: Although most patients with mild or moderate TBI recover to their previous level of functioning, some of the 

patients are at increased risk for developing dizziness post-injury. BPV is a common subtype of post traumatic dizziness that 

presents an additional obstacle to recovery, perpetuating the health-care burden related to the TBI management. The PRM is 

non-invasive, easily administered at the bedside, and may be an economical treatment procedure for BPV. 

SUBJECTS/METHODS: Patients were recruited from an out-patient head injury clinic. Data regarding the following were 

collected: Participant Demographic and Injury Characteristics, Pre-Morbid Characteristic Data, General Health Questionnaire 

(GHQ), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Dizziness Protocol (DP), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Balance Error 

Scoring System (BESS). The Dix-Hall Pike Maneuver was performed on patients with dizziness symptoms. PRM was offered 

to patients who were positive on the Dix-Hall Pike Maneuver. The DP, DHI, GHQ was administered by telephone three days 

post-enrollment into the study. Participants returned for further assessments / treatment at 1-week, 5- weeks and 9- weeks 

post-enrollment. A final follow-up telephone assessment was conducted 3-months post-enrollment. 

RESULTS/FINDINGS: Sixty patients participated in the study. The following primary outcome measures were collected: to 

compare the patient and injury characteristics of persons diagnosed with BPV vs. non-specific dizziness; to determine the 

patient and injury characteristics which predict the development of BPV; to identify specific symptoms of dizziness; and to 

determine the effectiveness of PRM for treatment of BPV-associated with TBI. The second outcome measures for the study 

will address issues related to participants’ quality of life. 

DISCUSSION/OBSERVATIONS: The intervention explored in this study may provide a greater understanding of the clinical 

presentation and diagnosis of post-traumatic BPV and the role that PRM can play in its treatment. Demonstrating that PRM is 

an effective non-invasive intervention for patients with TBI could help to fill a huge gap in the healthcare system for these 

individuals. 

CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and accessible treatment for BPV has implications for improving the quality of life following 

TBI and may reduce time needed to return to work/school. Once the effective clinical management of BPV has been 

empirically tested in a TBI population, these patients can be assessed and treated in a primary care setting or TBI clinic 

earlier, leading to reduced disability and lessening the expense and burden of referral to specialty clinics. 

33




Title: 

Creating A Seamless Transition 


Valerie Lusted, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto) 


Megan Gage 

Summary: 

Many consumers, families, schools and service providers strive to create seamless transitions for what "life after high school" 

will look like for students identified with special needs. It takes commitment, creativity and collaboration. This poster celebrates 

the collaborative shift in partnerships that was creatively nurtured between the client and the committed team working with her: 

a paediatric, community-based service provider (Bloorview's Family Support Service), a high school (Senator O'Connor 

College School) and two adult ABI day programs (CHIRS and COTA Health). A supported co-op placement focusing on social 

and life skills was created for the client to fulfill Toronto Catholic District School Board's graduation requirements. Throughout 

the planning, the help of school personnel was enlisted and eventually replaced by other adult, community-based service 

providers during the client's final year of high school. An overview of typical ABI -related sequelae, testimonials from all those 

involved in this creative, outside-of-the-box success story and lessons learned will be shared. The audience will be challenged 

to present their "seamless transition success stories" and/or to replicate this precedent in their home communities. 


Creating a seamless transition of "life after high school" for a survivor of a severe acquired brain injury ( ABI ) is rewarding! 

This poster celebrates the collaborative shift in partnerships that was creatively nurtured between the client, her high school, a 

paediatric service provider and two adult ABI day programs. Audience members will be challenged to present their "seamless 

transition success stories" and/or to replicate this precedent in their home communities. 

34




Title: 

Designing A Neurotrauma Surveillance System For Prevention: What Are The Key Components, Challenges, 

Strengths And Weaknesses? 


Amy Chen, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 


Angela Colantonio; Daria Parsons 

Summary: 

Although Ontario has access to the most comprehensive population based heath data worldwide, currently there is no 

systematic, comprehensive and ongoing reporting of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from the perspective of prevention. The 

accurate collection of data is essential for informing stakeholders in planning and evaluation of programs for prevention and 

evaluating programs. This session focuses on the development of a sustainable surveillance system from existing 

administrative data from our publicly insured health care system. It will present the strengths and weaknesses of using a range 

of administrative data sources and the rationale for their use for surveillance purposes. This approach will be presented in 

contrast to the international literature on neurotrauma surveillance. This session also seeks to engage participants in the 

rationale for decision making regarding the scope and lessons learned in Ontario. We will explore the pending outputs of the 

surveillance system such as causes and risk factors and explore its utility to form decisions in neurotrauma prevention. The 

process of development of partnerships among a range of government jurisdictions and stakeholders will be described. 

Project Outcomes: TBI cases as captured by– ER visits, Hospitalizations, Death (while in the ER or hospitalized). Incidence 

rates for the following characteristics are also of interest: sex, age, place of occurrence, helmet use, seatbelt use, external 

causes, alcohol use, drug and alcohol-related comorbidities, and geography (Local Health Integration Network and Public 

Health Unit of residence). 


Participants will learn about the scope, process, goals and methodological challenges of a proposed neurotrauma surveillance 

system in Ontario and have the opportunity to provide input. They will gain exposure to an international perspective on 

surveillance Participants will be provided with population based estimates of TBI cases in Ontario by age, gender, risk factors 

and mechanisms of injury. We will discuss the potential to inform practitioners about future trends in terms of the 

characteristics of future clients and the scope for prevention of reinjury. 

35




Title: 

Early Results Of A New Comprehensive Assessment Measure For Minimally Responsive Individuals 


Ana Gollega, Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (Calgary) 


Sharon Renton; Maryanne Ostapovitch; Chamine Meghji; Arlene Lazoruk; Denise Lawson; Elizabeth Haynes 

Summary: 

The Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI) in Calgary, Alberta is a non-profit organization, founded in 

1978. ARBI delivers individualized, long-term rehabilitation to individuals with the most severe brain injuries. After years of 

observing these clients, the experienced therapists at ARBI (OT, PT and SLP), contended that the existing standardized 

measures used to assess the behaviour of individuals with Vegetative States and Minimally Conscious States were not 

sensitive enough to quantify the subtle changes that were often observed in this population. To address this need, the 

“Comprehensive Assessment Measure for Minimally Responsive Individuals” (CAMMRI) was developed as a basis for clinical 

management. 

The objective of this presentation is to show the preliminary results of Phase I pilot testing and demonstrate the applicability of 

this measure. The CAMMRI test is divided in three major areas: motor control, communication skills and response to the 

environment. Each area has specific subtests designed to fit a seven point rating scale generating objective information 

regarding the individual's improvements. This information documents changes and is used by therapists to set up a 

comprehensive rehabilitation plan that ultimately aims to improve the quality of life of these individuals. The methodological 

design used a standard sequence for developing a new measurement consisting of content validity based on literature review, 

construct validity with similar scales in the standard battery, test-retest and inter-rater reliability through pilot testing. The target 

population consists of adults who have experienced severe brain injury secondary to trauma, anoxia or cerebral vascular 

accident and who currently function at Level II or III on the Rancho Los Amigos Cognitive Scale (revised). 

Results: Data analysis for Phase I of the pilot test was completed with twelve (12) subjects. Inter-rater reliability varied 

somewhat between subscales but averaged 0.9. The correlations between CAMMRI and the other standard assessment 

measures of similar and differing constructs were between the low to moderate range of >0.4. The measures used for 

comparison were: Western Neuro Sensory Stimulation Profile (WNSSP), the Johnson Rehabilitation Institute Coma Recovery 

Scale (JFK) and the Chedoke-McMaster Activity Inventory. 

Conclusion: These preliminary results show that the CAMMRI measures the various key areas tapped by other scales but 

further provides a more comprehensive understanding of the minimally responsive individuals. This may allow professionals to 

be better equipped to evaluate treatment techniques, efficacy issues, and to develop more sensitive rehabilitation programs. 


The objective of this presentation is to show the preliminary results of Phase I pilot testing of the CAMMRI and demonstrate 

the applicability of this measure. 

36




Title: 

How The Foundation Of A Recreation Therapist Unified Two Organizational Visions To Open Our Eyes To Seeing The 

Real Picture Of Thriving With Traumatic Brain Injury 


Jackie Doyle, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (Chatham) 


Michelle Chernets 

Summary: 

When a person who has a stroke relearns their activities of daily living, it doesn't mean they will return to a fulfilling life. They 

must feel the need and motivation to use their relearned functional skills in productive meaningful ways. In a unique 

partnership between Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, a 300 bed acute care community hospital and the New Beginnings Club: 

Brain Injury Association of Chatham-Kent, persons with stroke continued their psychosocial recovery in the community through 

a traumatic brain injury social recreation program. Though stroke is not traditionally included in the traumatic brain injury 

population, the two organizations realized they shared common goals. Marrying these resources was a win-win for this small 

community and those with both stroke and TBI. One highly physically functioning survivor best describes the most significant 

impact of this program for her: “To practice my speech. Without that, I have nothing! It's another world of participating…I 

participate much more. I was always an outgoing person and with the stroke I withdrew, and now in here I talk more and 

participate a lot.” (Doyle, J., Hebblethwaite, S., Chernets, M. (2009) Social Programs for Survivors of Stroke: Evaluation of the 

New Beginnings Club) 

This poster shares the observations and learnings of one employee whose services bridged both organizations. A Recreation 

Therapist by profession, Jackie Doyle journeyed with stroke survivors from hospital to the TBI club. The lessons learned are 

profound and applicable to all professionals who share the foundational service vision, to maximize the independence of their 

clients to self-manage their emotional and physical wellbeing. This poster presentation will inspire organizations in smaller 

communities with decentralized services to develop partnerships, acknowledge common goals, and better utilize common 

resources to more effectively meet the needs of individuals impacted by traumatic brain injury and stroke. 


Participants will gain understanding of... - Client perspectives related to the importance of social support for continued 

recovery - Shared psychosocial needs of stroke and traumatic brain injury clients - Client response to integration of stroke and 

traumatic brain injury - Gaps in emotional preparedness and support - Client transition from "fix me" to empowerment - 

Patient/client learning readiness and strategies - The value of peer support - What gets clients to the resources - motivators - 

What keeps clients active with the resources - Barriers preventing client involvement in resources 

37




Title: 

Identity After A Brain Injury: A Scoping Review Of The Current State Of The Literature 


Mikelle Bryson-Campbell, University of Western Ontario (West Lorne) 


Lynn Shaw 

Summary: 

As a brain injury survivor must learn to live with their new post-injury identity, development and acceptance of a new identity is 

vital to the recovery process. Identity re-development is an importance piece in the rehabilitation process yet unfortunately, redevelopment 

of an identity is often neglected in rehabilitation programs. Standard rehabilitation programs are based on a 

medical model with the focus of treatment being on the rehabilitation of physical and cognitive injuries. One reason for this 

may be the abstract nature of identity and the difficulty supporting clients in re-developing an identity. If rehabilitation 

professionals look to the current research for a review of identity and its associated constructs they will find a dearth of this 

type of review literature. This poster presentation will disseminate the results of an exploratory scoping review which sought to 

highlight conceptual information about identity after a brain injury. 

Methods: A scoping review methodology was used to extract knowledge from the current literature base. Several databases 

were searched using the key words identity, self, and traumatic or acquired brain injury. 

Results: The initial search returned 269 articles which, using pre determined exclusion criteria, was narrowed to 25 articles. 

The results of this review were used to create a conceptual map to delineate the multiple definitions of identity, outline how 

different disciplines represent this concept of identity and constructs, along with the various demographic backgrounds of 

publishing authors, including geographical location of authors and types of methodology being used. Research is needed to 

achieve a more pluralistic study of the redevelopment of identity. 


As this poster presentation is disseminating results of a scoping review the goal of the poster is to highlight overall trends and 

themes in the literature on identity after a brain injury. It is the goal of this presentation that all survivors, caregivers, 

rehabilitation professionals, and others who view this poster will walk away will a clear description on how identity is defined in 

the literature, who is publishing research on identity after a brain injury, and how can brain injury survivors be supported in 

developing a positive post-injury identity. 

38




Title: 

Living With Brain Injury Group: An Innovative And Integrative Approach To Peer Support And Education 


Sucheta Heble, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 


Sigrid Grasshoff; Karen Sasaki; Joan Vernon 

Summary: 

Purpose: Focus groups completed at our facility have continually demonstrated that patients with Stroke and ABI are eager to 

receive education and peer support to help further their recoveries. Drop-in education sessions in our outpatient program were 

poorly attended leading the team to find alternative ways to provide education and incorporate peer support simultaneously. 

Relevance: This group is intended to increase knowledge and understanding of issues related to brain injury and allows 

patients to provide mutual support. 

Methods, Materials and Principles: Group Members: The closed group runs for eight consecutive weeks with 8-12 outpatients 

from ABI and Stroke streams. Handouts/resource materials are provided. 

Facilitators: The group is facilitated by two therapists; session topics are chosen in conjunction with group members; additional 

team members are brought in to present specific topics as needed. Former patients are invited to speak to the group about 

their experiences. 

Analysis: Therapists monitor attendance; patient questionnaires measure knowledge of brain injury before and after group 

completion and satisfaction questionnaires are completed at the end. 

Results/Findings: Patient attendance was greatly improved as were self-ratings of knowledge of brain injury from pre-group 

levels. Patients report consistently high levels of satisfaction with the group. 

Discussion/Findings: We have seen strong group cohesion with members providing regular support for one another, 

sometimes manifesting in support outside of group sessions. Former patients who present at group sessions offer further peer 

support and benefit from helping others. The less formal nature of presentations led to meaningful conversation and comfort in 

asking questions. This interdisciplinary group offers different team perspectives to the patients and is an excellent teaching 

model for students. 

Conclusions: Offering education and peer support in a structured, closed format has proved to be an effective approach to 

providing support and meeting needs of patients recovering from stroke and acquired brain injury. 


To learn about a new approach to integrate patient education with peer support. 

To discover a new and integrative model of peer support for clients with brain injury. 

39




Title: 

Long-Term Trends In Recovery Of Function For Persons With Catastrophic Brain Injuries 


Josie Turbach, Anagram Premier/ResCare Premier (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 


Dawn Good 

Summary: 

Recovery gains, particularly those of persons who have experienced “slow[er] to recover” or “complex” catastrophic neural 

injuries, are often difficult to discern or describe due to limitations in opportunities for intensive and consistent data gathering 

and tracking, especially over the long term. Many of these challenges are lessened within the residential rehabilitation setting 

where individuals are receiving ongoing active treatment or long term living support 24 hours a day. In this venue, while 

tracking goals and charting behaviour on a daily basis, extensive data has been collected – some for long periods of time (i.e. 

up to 13 years) – depicting the trajectories of recovery and outcome for persons with severe traumatic brain injury who have 

participated in residential care on a continuous basis. 


We now have “functional” neuropsychological measures for 24 cases, varying in durations of stay from 1 to 13 years (N=4 for 

each of 6 time frames) assessing cognitive, physical and social/emotional status in terms of their daily activities, community 

experiences and rehabilitation. Impressively, documented gains/changes observed across time (i.e. years) are conservative, 

but evident, and conclude with varying, but improved, levels of independence and reintegration even for those at the longest 

intervals. Predictably, the rate of recovery varies across the different groups; however, depending on the measure, those who 

have been in formal programming for shorter lengths of time do not always have greater gains than those who have 

participated in programming for a longer period. We will be presenting regression results and trends based on this 

accumulated longitudinal data, allowing documentation, and insight, of long term outcomes for persons with complex acquired 

brain injuries. 

40




Title: 

Managing Complex Concussions In Children And Youth: A Multidisciplinary Approach To A Multifaceted Problem 


Sara Somers, Thames Valley Children's Centre (London) 


Janice Gray; Janette McDougall 

Summary: 

Introduction: In the past five years, concussion referrals to the Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Community Outreach Program 

(PABICOP) have increased substantially. Referrals may be made acutely or at any time post-injury, and may follow a first, or 

repeat concussion. In light of the increased number of concussion referrals, program staff members were interested in 

identifying possible trends in the demographics of these referrals. An additional objective was to look for possible complex 

concussion profiles in an effort to explore factors that may be related to concussion recovery, in order for the program to take a 

more targeted proactive approach for supporting children and youth with concussion. 

Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all concussion referrals received by the program over the past two 

years to obtain demographic data (i.e., age, gender), as well as information regarding number and duration of symptoms 

reported. Information regarding the amount and nature of client contact with our program was also obtained. 

Results: Chart review identified that 65 (47%) of the 139 referrals to PABICOP over the past two years were diagnosed as 

concussion. Findings were generally in line with previous research that has identified that a higher number of males than 

females sustain concussions. In addition, the 13-18 year old age group sustained concussions more frequently and had a 

more complicated course of recovery. This was evident for each gender. However, somewhat conversely, females in the 13-18 

year old age group had the highest percentage of complex and long-term concussion sequelae, requiring ongoing and 

multidisciplinary intervention. 

Conclusion: Review of data from clients of the PABICOP program indicates that youth in the 13-18 year old age group are at 

highest risk for sustaining concussion and for having ongoing and complex sequelae. Furthermore, despite more males than 

females sustaining concussions in all age groups, ongoing and complex sequelae are more prominent among females than 

males in the 13-18 year old age group. Understanding trends in the data allows program staff members to provide a more 

targeted multidisciplinary approach to supporting children and youth, and their families, schools, and communities toward 

alleviating difficulties associated with recovery from concussion. 

41




Title: 

Patient And Family Needs In The First Six Months Of Transition To Community Living After Moderate Or Severe 

Acquired Brain Injury: A Telehomecare Study 


Sonya Canzian, St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto) 


Jayne Dabbs; Jane Topolovec-Vranic; Diane Duff; Lynne Mitchell; Alicja Michalak; Mina Singh; Dawn Tymianski; Linda 

Yetman; Avery Nathens 

Summary: 

Many family members and individuals with moderate or severe acquired brain injury (ABI) note social isolation, insufficient 

support, monitoring, education and access to specialized health providers following discharge to the community. THC provides 

a technological bridge for clinicians, patients, and family caregivers to connect with ease across geographical boundaries and 

address these identified needs. The purpose of this study was to use THC technology to explicate the needs and concerns of 

individuals who have suffered moderate to severe ABI and their family caregivers during the first six months post discharge 

from acute care or rehabilitation facilities. A prospective observational mixed-methods study of five dyads of patients and their 

primary family caregivers was conducted. THC services began following discharge home from hospital or other rehabilitation 

facilities. 

Participants received THC assessments by a research nurse weekly for six weeks, biweekly for an additional six weeks and 

then monthly for the last three months. At each assessment participants completed several validated quantitative surveys and 

participated in a qualitative interview with the research coordinator. The data obtained from the participants were rich and 

revealing of the experience of life after discharge. The qualitative coding process generated well over 200 separate nodes of 

data and categories of participant experience related to violence, changes in family dynamics, coping mechanisms, types of 

stresses, frustration with outside support services, the role of neighbours and family, and many others. The findings from the 

study have enhanced our understanding of the stresses and coping mechanisms of patients and caregivers following ABI . 

This information will be utilized to design services which can be delivered via THC to best address the needs of patients and 

families post-discharge. 


Explore the potential role of telehomecare equipment in a community support program for patients with moderate to severe 

acquired brain injury and their caregivers. Understand the stressors and coping mechanisms of patients and caregivers in the 

first 6 months of discharge home following acquired brain injury. 

42




Title: 

Qualitative Perspectives Of Clients, Families, And Staff About Two ABI Community-Based Service Models 


Judy Gargaro, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 


Gary Gerber; Kathryn Boschen 

Summary: 

Introduction: This study compared perspectives of clients, family members, and staff members between services provided by 

Community Care Access Centres for persons with acquired brain injury (ABI) living in two Ontario communities. In one 

location, a specialized interdisciplinary ABI team provided services exclusively to ABI clients, and in the second location, a 

case manager allocated non-specialized contracted service providers to ABI clients according to need. The service provided 

by the ABI Team was driven by individualized goals that team members addressed as needed. In contrast, the service 

provided at the non-specialized location was driven by broad goals that could be met by offering limited services. 

Methods: Clients receiving community services and a designated family member were recruited into a 2-year longitudinal 

study of service models. During the final year a sample of 20% of clients and family members participated in interviews 

focusing on their perceptions of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the services they received. Staff members were 

interviewed at the end of their study involvement, regarding their perceptions of their service delivery model context. 

Results: The clients and families served by the specialized team were very satisfied with both the intensity and type of service 

provided. They felt supported and connected to the team and felt the team cared about their progress. The clients and families 

served by the non-specialized contracted service model location were generally satisfied with the services provided, but many 

said they needed a greater range and more intensity of service delivery. All the staff commented about the many changes over 

the last four years, not all of which have been perceived as positive. The staff generally felt over-worked and stressed, more 

so at the non-specialized location. Staff members at both locations discussed the need for ABI-knowledgeable services and 

the advantages of team service delivery. 

Conclusions: This study highlighted differences in the perception of the services by clients and family members at the two 

locations. Staff at both locations felt that a specialized-team approach would be a more effective service. These findings 

corroborated quantitative and service costing data collected as part of a larger study. Together the results have implications for 

the assumptions and policies currently guiding community-based service provision to persons in the community with ABI. 


ABI specialized team service delivery is perceived by clients, family members, and staff as more desirable. Triangulation of 

qualitative, quantitative, and costing data support this conclusion. Assumptions that have been guiding policy decisions 

regarding community-based service-delivery for persons with ABI will be challenged. These findings could be used to inform 

community service provision policies. 

43




Title: 

Reiki And Physiotherapy For ABI: A Collaborative Approach To Improve Outcomes 


Sian Owen, Sian Owen Physiotherapy (Toronto) 


Stephanie Cookson 

Summary: 

This exploratory study provides a treatment option for clients who have difficulty participating in their physical program due to 

pain, stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances, psychological and emotional issues/adjustment. Participants receive both 

therapies on each visit. Baseline measures and self reporting are used in this holistic approach to care. 


This workshop/poster presentation will provide an overview of Reiki and natural energy healing and outline the benefits of a 

collaborative approach with physiotherapy. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Reiki and learn how it can be 

used with physiotherapy to improve client outcomes. Study outcomes will be reported to date. 

44




Title: 

The Impact of Depression And Pain On Cognitive Performance In Mild TBI 


Tisha Ornstein, Ryerson University (Toronto) 


Sasha Mallya; Kerry Lawson 

Summary: 

Depression and pain are two conditions that often occur in individuals that have experienced mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Yet, little is known regarding the influence of pain and depression on cognitive dysfunction. The main purpose of this study 

was to examine the relationships between cognition, pain, and depression among a retrospective sample of 78 individuals with 

mild TBI. These individuals were divided into three groups based on their levels of experienced pain and depression (i.e., mild, 

moderate, and severe) and were matched to a control sample. Compared to controls, one-way ANOVAs revealed that the TBI 

patients with moderate to severe levels of pain and depression demonstrated impaired verbal fluency and impaired immediate 

and delayed recall of word lists. Only the severely affected patients differed significantly from controls for attention and 

processing speed. Patients with mild pain and depression differed from the severe group on immediate recall, attention, and 

processing speed, but did not differ from controls for any of the tests. These results indicate that greater intensity of 

depression and pain affect cognitive performance. However, it appears that the severe group was less engaged in the testing 

process, which warrants further investigation. 


To better understand the impact of psychological factors and pain on cognitive performance. 

To clarify the influence of TOMM performance on performance outcomes. 

45


People’s Choice Award ~ Vote for Your Favourite Poster 

To acknowledge the incredible amount of work that goes into poster presentations, the conference planning committee is 

requesting all registrants to visit the poster displays and vote for your favourite poster by secret ballot. 

Please visit our poster presentation exhibits in the Johnston Room and vote for your favourite poster. 

Suggested criteria: 

Originality and innovativeness 

Relevance to previous work 

Building on and relevance to body of knowledge 

Evidence and objectivity 

Clarity and presentation 

Quality and logical progression of argument 

Theoretical and practical implications 

Please submit your ballot for favourite poster by 1:30 pm on Tuesday, November 9, 2010. 

Awards will be announced during the closing remarks on November 9, 2010. 

46

ID# 


List of Poster Presentations 

 

01 A Look Into Accessible Public Transportation For People In Toronto Who Have Acquired Brain Injuries 

Nadia Elsayed, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 

02 Augmentative And Alternative Communication (AAC) For ABI 

Megan Wood, The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada (Richmond Hill) 

03 Characterization And Treatment Of Benign Positional Vertigo In Patients With Mild Or Moderate Traumatic Brain 

Injury 

Jane Topolovec-Vranic, St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto) 

04 Creating A Seamless Transition 

Valerie Lusted, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto) 

05 Designing A Neurotrauma Surveillance System For Prevention: What Are The Key Components, Challenges, 

Strengths And Weaknesses? 

Amy Chen, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 

06 Early Results Of A New Comprehensive Assessment Measure For Minimally Responsive Individuals 

Ana Gollega, Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (Calgary) 

07 How The Foundation Of A Recreation Therapist Unified Two Organizational Visions To Open Our Eyes To Seeing 

The Real Picture Of Thriving with Traumatic Brain Injury 

Jackie Doyle, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (Chatham) 

08 Identity After A Brain Injury: A Scoping Review Of The Current State of the Literature 

Mikelle Bryson-Campbell, University of Western Ontario (West Lorne) 

09 Living With Brain Injury Group: An Innovative And Integrative Approach To Peer Support And Education 

Sucheta Heble, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 

10 Long-Term Trends In Recovery Of Function For Persons With Catastrophic Brain Injuries 

Josie Turbach, Anagram Premier/ResCare Premier (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

11 Managing Complex Concussions In Children And Youth: A Multidisciplinary Approach To A Multifaceted Problem 

Sara Somers, Thames Valley Children's Centre (London) 

12 Patient And Family Needs In The First Six Months Of Transition To Community Living After Moderate To Severe 

Acquired Brain Injury: A Telehomecare Study 

Sonya Canzian, St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto) 

13 Predictors Of Adherence To An Internet-Delivered Self-Help Workshop For Depression: Patients With Mild Or 

Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury 

Jane Topolovec-Vranic, St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto) 

14 Qualitative Perspectives Of Clients, Families And Staff About Two ABI Community-Based Service Models 

Judy Gargaro, Toronto Rehab (Toronto) 

15 Reiki And Physiotherapy For ABI: A Collaborative Approach To Improve Outcomes 

Sian Owen, Sian Owen Physiotherapy (Toronto) 

16 The Impact Of Depression And Pain On Cognitive Performance in Mild TBI 

Tisha Ornstein, Ryerson University (Toronto) 

47


Conference Sponsors 

Participation from sponsors is an integral part of the conference and support from sponsors assists with the development of a 

successful and rewarding event. We thank all our sponsors for their generous contribution to the success of this event. 

Platinum Sponsors: 

Bogoroch & Associates 

Boland Howe Barristers 

Partnering Sponsor: 

Gold Sponsors: 

Silver Sponsors: 

Carranza LLP 

Bayshore Home Health 

Falconeri Munro Tucci LLP 

Himelfarb, Proszanski LLP 

Lerners LLP 

4 Spheres Inc. 

Adapt-Able Design Group 

ADL Home Health Care 

AgTa Home Care 

Bartimaeus Inc. 

Community Solutions Ltd. 

Continuum, a division of Community Rehab 

Devry, Smith & Frank LLP 

DMARehability 

Driver Training & Assessment Services 

at St. Elizabeth Health Care 

Elements Support Services 

Family Oriented Rehab Services (F.O.R.S.) 

FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 


48 

Gluckstein & Associates LLP 

Howie, Sacks & Henry 

Personal Injury Lawyers 

Thomson, Rogers Lawyers 

Neinstein & Associates LLP 

Oatley, Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers LLP 

Source Rehabilitation 

HILL Program Inc. 

Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

Just Rehab Support Inc. 

Lawlor Therapy Support Services 

McKellar Structured Settlements 

MindWorks 

Multi-Languages Corporation 

Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario (NRIO) 

Neuro-Rehab Services Inc. 

Pace Law Firm 

Rehab Results Inc. 

Rehabilitation Management Inc. (RMI) 

The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada 

STEP UP! ABI Recovery (a division of Brain Injury 

Services)


49


50


51


52


53


54


55


56


57


58

Platinum Sponsors: 


Conference Sponsors Contact List 

Sponsor Mailing Address General Contact Info 

Bogoroch & Associates Bogoroch & Associates 

Sunlife Financial Tower 

150 King St. West, Suite 1707 

Toronto, ON M5H 1J9 

Boland Howe Barristers Boland Howe Barristers 

130 Industrial Parkway North 

Aurora, Ontario L4G 4C3 

Carranza LLP 


Howie Sacks & Henry 


Carranza LLP 

1280 Finch Ave. W., Suite 200 

Toronto, ON M3J 3K5 


301-595 Bay Street 

Toronto, ON M5G 2C2 

Howie, Sacks & Henry 


20 Queen St. W., Suite 3500 

Toronto, ON M5H 3R3 

Thomson, Rogers Lawyers Thomson, Rogers Lawyers 

390 Bay Street, Suite 3100 

Toronto, ON M5H 1W2 

Partnering Sponsor: 

59 

Phone: 416-599-1700 / 1-866-599-1700 

Fax: 416-599-1800 

Email: info@bogoroch.com 

bogoroch.com 

Phone: 905-841-5717 

Fax: 905-841-7128 

Email: info@bolandhowe.on.ca 

Web: www.bolandhowe.com 

Phone: 416-633-1065 / 1-877-633-1065 

Fax: 416-633-9782 

Email: lawoffice@carranza.on.ca 

Web: www.carranza.on.ca 

Phone: 416-408-4252 

Fax: 416-408-4235 

Email: info@gluckstein.com 

Web: www.gluckstein.com 

Phone: 416-361-5990 

Fax: 416-361-0083 

Email: hsh@hshlawyers.com 

Web: www.hshlawyers.com 

Phone: 416-868-3100 / 1-800-223-0448 

Fax: 416-868-3134 

Email: info@thomsonrogers.com 

Web: www.thomsonrogers.com 


Ontario Neurotrauma 

Foundation 


90 Eglinton Avenue East 

Suite 601 

Toronto, ON M4P 2Y3 

Phone: 416-422-2228 

Fax: 416-422-1240 

Email: info@onf.org 

Web: www.onf.org

Gold Sponsors: 



Bayshore Home Health Bayshore Home Health 

2155 Dunwin Drive, Unit 10 

Mississauga, ON L5L 4M1 

Falconeri Munro Tucci LLP Falconeri Munro Tucci LLP 

11 King Street West, Suite 1500 

Toronto, ON M5H 4C7 

Himelfarb, Proszanski LLP Himelfarb, Proszanski LLP 

480 University Ave., Suite 1401 

Toronto, ON M5G 1V2 

Lerners LLP Lerners LLP 

130 Adelaide Street West 

Suite 2400 

Toronto, ON M5H 3P5 

Neinstein & Associates LLP Neinstein & Associates LLP 

1200 Bay St., Suite 700 

Toronto, ONM M5R 2A5 

Oatley, Vigmond 

Personal Injury Lawyers LLP 

Oatley, Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers LLP 

151 Ferris Lane, Suite 200 

Barrie, ON L4M 6C1 

Source Rehabilitation Source Rehabilitation 

1177 Barrydowne Road Suite #201 

Sudbury, Ontario P3A 3V4 

Silver Sponsors: 

60 

Phone: 1-866-265-1920 

Fax: 1-866-265-1922 

Email: mcare@bayshore.ca 

Web: www.bayshore.ca 

Phone: 416-646-8370 

Fax: 647-723-7565 

Email: reception@fmtlaw.ca 

Web: www.fmtlaw.ca 

Phone: 416-599-8080 

Fax: 416-599-3131 

Email: info@himprolaw.com 

Web: www.himprolaw.com 

Phone: 416-867-3076 

Fax: 416-867-9192 

Email: tring@lerners.ca 

Web: www.lerners.ca 

Phone: 416-420-4242 / 1-866-920-4242 

Fax: 416-923-8358 

Email: info@neinstein.com 

Web: www.neinstein.com 

Phone: 705-726-9021 / 1-888-662-2481 

Fax: 705-726-2132 

Email: info@oatleyvigmond.com 

Web: www.oatleyvigmond.com 

Phone: 705-560-9153 / 1-888-444-6505 

Fax: 705-560-9154 

Email: info@sourcerehab.ca 

Web: www.sourcerehab.ca 


4 Spheres Inc. 4 Spheres Inc. 

4243C Dundas St. W., Suite 142 

Toronto, ON M8X 1&3 



75 Dufflaw Road, Suite 203 

Toronto, ON M6A 2W4 

ADL Home Health Care ADL Home Health Care 

1911 Kennedy Road, Unit 107 

Scarborough, ON M1P 2L9 

AgTa Home Care AgTa Home Care 

860 Wilson Ave. 

Toronto, ON M3K 1E5 

Bartimaeus Inc. Bartimaeus Inc. 

290 North Queen Street, Suite 112 

Toronto, ON M9C 5L2 

Phone: 416-705-1699 

Fax: 705-924-3336 

Email: info@4spheres.ca 

Web: www.4spheres.ca 

Contact person: Ed Shirley 

Phone: 416-781-3335 

Fax: 416-781-6434 

Email: info@adaptabledesign.com 

Web: www.adaptabledesign.com 

Phone: 416-847-1111 / 1-877-847-1144 

Fax: 416-847-1228 

Email: info@adlhealth.com 

Web: www.adlhealth.com 

Phone: 416-630-0737 

Fax: 416-630-4814 

Email: info@agtahomecare.com 

Web: www.agtahomecare.com 

Phone: 416-243-3330 / 1-866-226-2565 

Fax: 416-245-4116 

Email: mardi@bartimaeus.com 

Web: www.bartimaeus.com




Continuum, a division of 

Community Rehab 


PO Box 811 

Cobourg, ON K9A 4S3 

Continuum, a division of Community Rehab 

649 Colborne Street 

London, ON N6A 3Z2 

Devry, Smith & Frank LLP Devry, Smith & Frank LLP 

95 Barber Greene Road, Suite 100 

Toronto, ON M3C 3E9 

DMARehability 

Driver Training & Assessment 

Services at Saint Elizabeth 

Health Care 

DMARehability 

1151 Florence Street, Suite 300 

London, ON N5W 2M7 

Driver Training & Assessment Services 

at Saint Elizabeth Health Care 

47 The Links Road 

Toronto ON M2P 1T7 

Elements Support Services Elements Support Services 

364 Wilson Ave. 

Burlington ON L7L 2M9 

Family Oriented Rehab 

Services (F.O.R.S.) 

FunctionAbility Rehabilitation 

Services 

Family Oriented Rehab Services (F.O.R.S.) 

1009 Scarlett Road 

Toronto, ON M9P 2V3 

FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

7851 Dufferin Street, Suite #102 

Vaughan, Ontario L4J 3M4 

HILL Program Inc. HILL Program Inc. 

366 Queen Street South 

Hamilton, ON L8P 3T9 

Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

85 Scarsdale Road, Suite 302 

Toronto, ON M3B 2R2 

Just Rehab Support Inc. Just Rehab Support Inc. 

40 Angelucci Drive 

Brampton, ON L6P 1G7 

Lawlor Therapy Support 

Services 

McKellar Structured 

Settlements 

Lawlor Therapy Support Services 

1550 South Gateway Rd., Suite 328 

Mississauga, ON L4W 5G6 

McKellar Structured Settlements 

649 Scottsdale Drive, Suite 100 

Guelph, ON N1G 4T7 

MindWorks MindWorks 

312 Rubidge Street 

Peterborough ON K9J 3P4 

61 

Phone: 905-349-2020 / 1-800-430-6523 

Fax: 905-349-3862 

Email: admin@commsolltd.com 

Web: www.commsolltd.com 

Phone: 519-434-9814 

Fax: 519-434-2264 

Email: cscollard@continuumrehab.com 

Web: www.continuumrehab.com 

Phone: 416-449-1400 or 905-305-9994 

Toll Free Phone: 1-866-474-1700 

Fax: 416-449-7071 

Email: info@devrylaw.ca 

Web: www.devrylaw.ca 

Phone: 519-452-0046 / 1-866-309-0046 

Fax; 519-452-1413 

Email: info@dmarehab.com 

Web: www.dmarehab.com 

Phone: 416-398-1035 

Fax: 416-398-3206 

Email: driverinfo@saintelizabeth.com 

Web: www.saintelizabeth.com/page/driverassessment-training 

Phone: 905-635-8965 

Fax: 905-637-5142 

Email: info@elementssupportservices.com 

Web: www.elementssupportservices.com 

Phone: 416-763-1111 / 1-866-403-3677 

Fax: 905-604-0144 

Email: support@forstherapy.com 

Web: www.forstherapy.com 

Phone: 905-764-2340 

Fax: 905-707-6122 

Email: info@function-ability.com 

Web: www.function-ability.com 

Contact: Anat Barak 

Phone: 905-521-1484 

Fax: 905-521-7466 

Email: jkennedy@hillprogram.com 

Web: www.hillprogram.com 

Phone: 416-445-5125 / 1-800-216-0488 

Fax: 416-445-3942 

Email: toronto@interactionrehab.com 

Web: www.interactionrehab.com 

Phone: 905-487-2254 

Fax: 905-487-2255 

Email: tjhajj@justrehabsupport.com 

Web: www.justrehabsupport.com 

Phone: 905-451-1772 / 1-877-451-1772 

Fax: 905-451-5960 

Email: lawlor@lawlortherapy.com 

Web: www.lawlortherapy.com 

Phone: 519-836-1672 / 1-800-265-8381 

Fax: 519-836-7631 

Email: info@mckellar.com 

Web: www.mckellar.com 

Phone: 705-741-3412 / 1-800-559-8323 

Fax: 705-741-4098 

Email: info@mindworksgroup.ca 

Web: www.mindworksgroup.ca



Multi-Languages Corporation Multi-Languages Corporation 

80 Corporate Drive, Suite 305 

Toronto, ON M1H 3G5 

Neurologic Rehabilitation 

Institute of Ontario (NRIO) 

Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario 

(NRIO) 

59 Beaver Bend Crescent 

Etobicoke, ON M9B 5R2 

Neuro-Rehab Services Inc. Neuro-Rehab Services Inc. 

1600 Steeles Ave. West, Unit 17 

Concord, ON L4K 4M2 

Pace Law Firm Pace Law Firm 

295 The West Mall, 6th Floor 

Toronto, ON M9C 4Z4 

Rehab Results Inc. Rehab Results Inc 

1033 Bay Street, Suite 308 

Toronto, ON M5S 3A5 

Rehabilitation Management 

Inc. (RMI) 

The Speech Therapy Centres 

of Canada 

STEP UP! ABI Recovery 

(A division of Brain Injury 

Services) 

Rehabilitation Management Inc. (RMI) 

1506-480 University Avenue 


The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada Ltd. 

65B West Beaver Creek Road 

Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1K4 

STEP UP! ABI Recovery 

(A division of Brain Injury Services) 

225 King William St. Suite 508 

Hamilton, ON L8R 1B1 

62 

Phone: 416-296-0842 / 1-800-568- 

886116-296-0859 

Email: translations@multi-languages.com 

Web: www.multi-languages.com 

Phone: 416-231-4358 / 1-800-561-9158 

Fax: 416-231-9982 

Email: info@nrio.com 

Web: www.nrio.com 

Phone: 416-667-3422 / 905-669-0011 

Fax: 416-669-0129 

Email: nrs@neurorehab.ca 

Web: www.neurorehab.ca 

Phone: 416-236-3060 / 1-877-236-3060 

Fax: 416-236-1809 

Email: personalinjury@pacelawfirm.com 

Web: www.pacelawfirm.com 

Phone: 416-323-6861 / 1-888-323-6861 

Fax: 1-866-323-1295 

Email: info@rehabresults.com 

Web: www.rehabresults.com 

Phone: 416-365-0010 / 1-800-265-6579 

Fax: 416-365-1176 / 1-877-426-8276 

Email: info@rehabilitation.ca 

Web: www.rehabilitation.ca 

Phone: 905-886-5941 

Fax: 905-886-2362 

Email: info@speechtherapycentres.com 

Web: www.speechtherapycentres.com 

Phone: 905-523-8852 

Fax: 905-523-8211 

Email: info.news@braininjuryservices.com 

Web: www.step-up-abi.ca


Delegate Directory 

The following information for conference delegates is based on information as provided by registrants who registered before 

November 1, 2010, excepting those registrants who requested not to have their information included. We apologize in 

advance for any errors or omissions to this list. 

Olga Abitan, Toronto Rehab Institute 

Ruma Achrekar, Parent 

Vince Agovino, Director, AgTa Home Health Care Services and Medical Supplies 

Nancy Ameis, MDAC 

Nancy Amirkhanian, Catastrophic Injury Management Inc. 

Ruth Anderson, Care Coordinator, Toronto Central CCAC 

Kathy Anningson, Administrative Assistant, Ann Krause & Associates 

Karen Azavedo, Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

Stacey Baboulas, Occupational Therapist Consultant 

Adrian Baldwin, President, A. Baldwin Consulting 

Shelby Banas, Brain Injury Community Re-Entry (Niagara) Inc. 

Anat Barak, Director Rehabilitation Services, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

Winston Barnes, RPN, Toronto Rehab 

Helen Barsby, Oatley, Vigmond LLP 

Elizabeth Bastable, Physiotherapist, Back in Motion 

Anna Marie Batelaan, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Jessica Bates, ABI Outreach Service Cordinator, Participation House Waterloo Wellington 

Lyssa Bauer, R.N., Senior Consultant, Knorr & Associates Inc. 

Anne Baumgartner, Account Representative, MDAC 

Christine Bell, Occupational Therapist/Life Care Planner, Care Planners Consulting Inc. 

Pat Bellissimo, CHIRS 

Lola Bendana, Director, Multi-Languages Corporation 

Janet Bernstein, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Maureen Bird-Graper, Consumer 

Elsie Bloom, Case Manager, Central East Community Care Access Centre 

Nancy Boaro, APL, Toronto Rehab 

Richard Bogoroch, Bogoroch & Associates 

Erika Bookbinder, Catastrophic Injury Management Inc. 

Elizabeth Bosman, Neuropsychologist, Private Practice 

Colleen Boyce, Executive Director, NRIO 

Clare Brandys, , Community Head Injury Resourse Services 

Valerie Brodie, Registered Practical Nurse, Ottawa Hospital 

Carrie Brousseau R.N., CEO, Sr. Rehabilitation Consultant, Source Rehabilitation Services Inc. 

Diana Brouwer, CHIRS 

Chris Brown, Bartimaeus Inc. 

Jeff Bryce, Survivior 

Mikelle Bryson-Campbell, PhD Student, University of Western Ontario 

Cheryl Button, Genesis Community Rehabilitation Inc. 

Amy Caldwell, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

63

Jamie Campbell, Rehab First Inc. 


Janet Campbell, Occupational Therapist, The Positive Approach 

Troy Campbell, Tru-Path Occupational Therapy Services Ltd. 

Joseph Campisi, Carranza Barristers and Solicitors 

Karen Carney, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

Cesar Carranza, Law Clerk, Carranza Barristers and Solicitors 

Bill Carty, President, Bartimaeus Inc. 

Jane Casey, Rehabilitation Management Inc. 

Teresa Chafe, Rehabilitation Therapist, The Ottawa Hospital 

Jeff Chartier, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Debi Chemello, Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

Amy Chen, Research Associate, Toronto Rehabilitation Institue 

Suzette Chichester, Case Manager, COTA Health 

Barbara Claiman, Director, Community Solutions Limited 

Barbara Claiman, Community Solutions Limited 

Ruthann Clark, Community Solutions Limited 

Jennifer Cobersky, Rehabilitation Service Coodinator, Ontario March of Dimes 

Michelle Cohen, Michelle Cohen & Associates 

Christopher Collins, Lawyer, Siskinds LLP 

Heather Condello, Occupational Therapist, Complex Injury Rehab 

Candice Corsaut-Wylde, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Jennifer Court, Bogoroch & Associates 

Lynn Creighton, Lynn Creighton Speech Language Pathology 

Wendy Crowther-Rakochy, Sudbury Regional Hospital 

Mary Cupples, Physiotherapist, Independent Rehabilitation Review 

Lori Curgenven, Toronto Rehab 

Carolyn Czincz, Case Manager, Rehabilitation Case Management 

Eden Dales, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Marianne Daly, Owner, RRMI 

Christine Danis, Adaptive Rehab Inc. 

Joe De Santi, Work Health Consultant, Banyan 

Lisa De Simone, Sudbury Regional Hospital 

David Derfel, , Devry, Smith & Frank LLP 

Mike Derochie, Family 

Lorella Desousa, Community Labour Market Manager, City of Toronto 

Trisha Di Caro, Rehab Therapist, Journey Rehabilitaion Therapy 

Carol Di Salle, Sudbury Regional Hospital 

Michelle Diamond, Toronto Rehab 

Sara Diederichs, Bloorview School Authority 

Sandra Doucette, Ontario March of Dimes 

Dawn Downey, Providence Continuing Care - St. Marys of the Lake Hospital 

Jackie Doyle, Recreation Therapist, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance 

Abigail Dry, Occupational Therapy, Galit Liffshiz and Associates 

Lisa Duffus, OT, Tru-Path Occupational Therapy Services Ltd. 

Tricia Dunbar, Residential Service Coordinator, CHIRS 

64

Lee Duong, Bogoroch & Associates 

Nadia Elsayed, Social Worker, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute 

Courtney Enright, Manager, Lawlor Therapy Support Services 

Andrea Etherington, Toronto ABI Network 

Julie Fajertag, OT, FunctionAbility 

Amy Fallis, Sandy's Accident Benefit Service 


Tammy Falovo, Community Liaison/Peer Mentoring Program Manager, Ontario Brain Injury Association 

Karey-Anne Fannon, Behaviour Therapist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute 

Judy Farrimond, MDAC 

Sharon Fawcett, Bogoroch & Associates 

Marion Feldman, Beverlee C. Melamed & Associates Inc. 

Rosa Ferriera, Caregiver/Survivor 

Jean Fisher 

Wayne Fisher, Beverlee C. Melamed & Associates Inc. 

Patricia Fleet, Occupational Therapist, Independent Practice 

Andrew Fordham, Survivor, Consumer Representative 

Andrea Fordham, Consumer Representative 

Karen Forse, Occupational Therapist, Back to Health 

David Frake, Physiotherapist, Balance Physiotherapy 

Simone Friedman, Owner and SLP, Simone Friedman Speech-Language Services 

Lynnette Fritzke, Brain Injury Program Coordinator, Alberta Health Services 

Maxine Fyffe-Roberts, Clinical Director, Essentially You 

Nancy Gagnon, CSL - Linking People & Places 

Nicole Galeotalanza, Case Manager, TRI-Star Health Management Group 

Daniela Galloro, Brain Injury Survivor 

Caron Gan, Individual and Family Clinician, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Judy Gargaro, Research Coordinator, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute 

Robert Gates, Psychologist, Gates Hill Psychologists 

Pat Gaughan, Senior Vice President, Bartimaeus Inc. 

Joanne Gauthier, Nurse Educator, The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre 

Arvinder Gaya, Occupational Therapist, Arvinder Gaya Occupational Therapy Services 

Ann George, Neuro-Rehab Services 

Noha George, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Gary Gerber, Clinical Director - ABI Behaviour Services, West Park Healthcare Centre 

Jane Gillett, Hamilton Health Sciences/Brainweb.ca 

Deena Ginsberg, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Brian Goldfinger, Personal Injury Lawyer, Goldfinger Personal Injury Law 

Dawn Good, Registered Psychologist/Brock University, Brock University 

Susan Goode, Educational Consultant, Goode Educational Services 

Joanne Gram, Director, Rehabilitation Services, Rehab First Inc. 

Sandy Grant, PTRS 

Sigrid Grasshoff, Psychometrist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute 

Kathy Gravel, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Janice Gray, School Liaison/Psychometrist, Thames Valley Children's Centre 

Anna Greenblatt, Coowner/Director, Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

65

Kelly Gunnell, Case Manager, COTA Health 


Judy Guse Salah, RN Case Manager, Judy Guse Salah RN Nursing Rehabilitation Consultant 

Rick Hadleycrane, Lawlor Therapy Support Services 

John Hands, Director, National Programs, Comcare Health Services 

Mary Hansen, Director/Senior Consultant, Moving Towards Wellness 

Jodi Harendorf, Case Manager, Catastrophic Injury Management Inc. 

Heather Harfield, Wright & Associates 

Lynne Harford, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Betty Harper, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Dan Harren, NRIO 

Cheryl Hassan, Executive Director, Four Counties Brain Injury Association 

Karlene Haughton, Tru-Path Occupational Therapy Services Ltd. 

Carol Hawkins, Case Manager, Rutherford Rehabilitation 

Carolyn Hay, Occupational Therapist, The Positive Approach 

Melanie Hay, Occupational Therapist, NRIO 

Aimee Hayes, Registered Dietitian & Personal Trainer, Aimee Hayes & Associates 

Kathleen Headley, Educational Consultant/Teacher, Headley Educational Services, Inc. 

Sucheta Heble, SLP, Toronto Rehab 

Susie Heintzman, Teacher, Bloorview School Authority 

Jennifer Hendry, Clinical Coordinator, Brain Injury Services Step Up ABI Recovery 

Mindy Herman, Vocational Rehab Consultantq, Mindy Herman's Vocational Rehab Services 

Paula Hilborn, Beverlee C. Melamed & Associates Inc. 

Christine Hobbs, Providence Continuing Care - St. Marys of the Lake Hospital 

Eva Holder, Intake Coordinator, Brain Injury Community Re-Entry Niagara Inc. 

John Holland, Lawyer, Sutts, Strosberg LLP 

Miranda Hong, Service Coordinator, Toronto Rehab 

Tina Horton, Vocational Coordinator, Brain Injury Community Re-Entry (Niagara) Inc. 

Barzin Hosseini-Rad, F.O.R.S. 

Cathy Howard, Community Solutions Limited 

Patricia Howell, Neuro-Rehab Services 

Jim Howie, Partner, Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP 

Debbie Hughes, PhD student, Brock University 

Kristen Hutchinson, Occupational Therapist, TRAC Group Inc. 

Anthony Hutchinson, Social Work & Finance Professional/ Professor, Humber College Institute of Applied Arts and Technology 

Chris Ioannou 

Costandia Ioannou 

Rosa Ip, Neuropsychologist, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences 

Kylie James, Occupational therapist, Fox Rehabilitation 

Cheryl Jardine, Occupational Therapist, Back to Health 

Tina Jhajj, Occupational Therapist, Just Rehab Support Inc. 

Berit Johansson, Occupational therapist, Brain Injury Center Stockholm 

Salomeh Kachooie, ADL Home Health Care 

Robin Kadanoff, Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

Corinne Kagan, Senior Program Director, ABI, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation 

Christine Kalkanis, PTRS 

66

Elyse Kalpage, Case Manager, St. Michael's Hospital 

Peter Kalra, Comcare Health Services 

Diana Kangas, Case Manager, Adaptive Rehab Inc. 

Lee-Ann Kant, S-LP, Beyond Words S-LP 

Aliza Kassam, Source Rehabilitation Services Inc. 

Nancy Katsouras, Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

Bobby Kaur, Credit Valley Hospital 

Julie Keagan, Hospital for Sick Children 

Ruth Ann Kent, Occupational Therapist, Fox Rehabilitation 


Erin Klein, Occupational Therapist, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

Wendy Knight, ADL Home Health Care 

Ann Krause, Rehabilitation Consultant, Ann Krause & Associates 

Michelle Labelle, Social Worker, Michelle Labelle, RSW 

Hiten Lad, Neuropsychologist, Lad & Associates 

Jayar LaFontaine, CHIRS 

Terry Lamont, Director, MindWorks 

Kim Lamont, Occupational Therapist, Kim Lamont & Associates 

Marsha Lanktree, Sudbury Regional Hospital 

Ellie Lapowich, Rehabilitation Consultant, Innovative Case Management 

Fiona Latham, Tru-Path Occupational Therapy Services Ltd. 

Denise Lawson, Clinical Practice Leader, ARBI 

Carmen Lazorek, Occupational Therapist, Alberta Health Services 

Stephanie Le, RN, Toronto Rehab 

Amee Le, CHIRS 

Kathleen Lee, Sudbury Regional Hospital 

Charissa Levy, Executive Director, Toronto ABI Network 

David Levy, Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP 

Greg Lidstone, Cognitive Rehab Therapist, Independent 

Linda Lo, Case Manager, St. Michael's Hospital 

Sarah Lo, CHIRS 

Bob Lomax, Parkwood Hospital 

Becky Loucks, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Elaine Lowe, Social Worker, Elaine Lowe Counseling and Rehabilitation 

Ainslie Lowes, Occupational Therapist, Toronto Rehab 

Valerie Lusted, Social Worker, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Jason Lye, Associate Director, Independent Living Services, March of Dimes 

Melanie Mach, Ontario March of Dimes 

Sherry Mackenzie, Source Rehabilitation Services Inc. 

Bill Madden, Beverlee C. Melamed & Associates Inc. 

Sandra Mageau, Supportive Housing Worker, Mainstay Housing 

Vishali Malhotra, Conductor, March of Dimes Canada 

Sasha Mallya, Ryerson University 

Katie Manikas, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Sheri Mar, Occupational Therapist, Creative THerapy Health Service 

Heather Margach, Teacher, Bloorview School Authority 

67

Ann Marquis, Wright & Associates 

Lisa Martin, OT, Galit Liffshiz & Assoc. 

Tracy Martin, The Social Work Consulting Group 


Carmen Martino, Speech-Language Pathologist, Private Practice 

Claudia Maurice, Occupational Therapist, Claudia Maurice Occupational Therapy Prof. Corp. 

Nancy Leigh Mccormick, Social Worker, The Ottawa Hospital Acquired Brain Injury Unit 

Lisa McCorquodale, Parkwood Hospital 

Ruth McDonald, Ontario March of Dimes 

Meg McEwen, Brain Injury Community Re-Entry (Niagara) Inc. 

Nancy McFadyen, OT Ontario East 

Mary McNeil, Case Manager & Life Care Planner, Rehabilitation Planning 

Judy McNichol, Occupatioanl Therapist, Rehab First Inc. 

Denise McRiner, Bartimaeus Inc. 

Michele Meehan, Rehab First 

Beverlee Melamed, Owner/Director, Beverlee C. Melamed & Associates Inc. 

Alda Melo, Occupational Therapist, VHA Rehab Solutions 

Lisa Menaker-Warman, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

Alice Menard, Ontario March of Dimes 

Elsa Meulmeester Choremis, Social Worker, Toronto Rehab 

Alicja Michalak, Case Manager Head Injury Clinic, St. Michael's 

Nichole Miller, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Judy Moir, Assistant Executive Director, Toronto ABI Network 

Tracey Ann Mollison, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences 

Cora Moncada, Occupational Therapist 

Claire Montgomery, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Karen (Casey) Moore, Bloorview School Authority 

Associate MTW ltd, Moving Towards Wellness 

Linda Muller, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, Independent Contractor 

Catherine Munro, Kim Lamont & Associates 

Barry Munro, Falconeri Munro Tucci LLP 

Grazia Murdoch, Caregiver/Survivor 

Matthew Murdock, Survivor 

Frank Murphy, Executive Director, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Greg Neinstein, Managing Partner, Neinstein & Associates LLP 

Jeffrey Neinstein, Neinstein & Associates LLP 

Tami Nestor, Brainworks Corporation 

Colin Newman, Kim Lamont & Associates 

My-Linh Nguyen, Occupational Therapist, Consultant 

Lan Nguyen, Occupational Therapist, Toronto Rehab 

Alicia Nichols, ABI System Navigator, NSM ABI Collaborative 

Renee Nichols, Essentially You 

Margaret-Ann Nicol, Nursing, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation ABI 

Laurian Nowitz, Physiotherapist, MDAC 

Joanne Nunn, Occupational Therapist, Options Therapy 

Victoria Ojubuyi, Survivor 

68

Shobha Orlando, CHIRS 


Tisha Ornstein, Associate Professor; Clinical Neuropsychologist, Ryerson University 

Shannon Orr, Occupational Therapist, Sibley & Associates LP 

Sian Owen, Physiotherapist/Owner, Sian Owen Physiotherapy 

Maureen Palmer, Rehabilitation Consultant, Palmer & Associates Rehabilitation Inc. 

Maria Paulsson, Occupational Therapist, Herrold & Vernon 

Abigail Payne, March of Dimes Canada 

Veronica Pepper, HNHB ABI Service & Systems Navigator, HNHB ABI Network 

Danielle Perkin, Community Intervention Coordinator, Hamilton Health Sciences Hospital 

Kalsang Phuntsok, Administrator, ABI Possibilities 

Rob Pividor, Catastrophic Injury Management Inc. 

Carolyn Politi, Occupational Therapist, Functional Rehabilitation 

Mary Ann Pollmann- Mudryj, St. Michael's 

Lynn Pollock, , Adaptive Rehab Inc. 

Doreen Prince, ADL Assistant, COTA Health 

Kellie Radley, OT, Radley Rehab 

Emilia Radovini, Occupational Therapist, Dynamic OT 

Jerome Ramlal, Supportive Housing Worker, COTA Health 

Mehran Redjvani, Director, ADL Home Health Care 

Linda Rees-Shaw, Claims Specialist, Axa Insurance Canada 

Kayli Riann, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Heather Ricardo, Lawlor Therapy Support Services 

Lori Ricci-Jones, Ontario March of Dimes 

Mark Rice, Clinical Manager, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences 

Kelee Richer, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, TRAC Group Inc. 

Arnold Rincover, Private Practice 

Christine Rochefort, Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist-ABI OPD, The Rehabilitation Centre of The Ottawa Hospital 

Joanne Romas, Occupational Therapist, Joanne Romas & Associates 

corazon Romero, RPN, Toronto Rehab 

Colleen Rosener, Source Rehabilitation Services Inc. 

Marla Rosenfeld, Occupational Therapist, The Positive Approach 

Lesley Rosenthal, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Jessica Ruckstuhl, Occupational Therapist, Quinte and District Rehabilitation Inc. 

Joanne Ruediger, J. Ruediger & Associates 

Lesley Ruttan, Neuropsychologist, Toronto Rehab 

Nurith Safir, Nurith Safir & Associates 

Rachel Salsman, March of Dimes Canada 

Janet Salter, Rehabilitation Therapist, The Ottawa Hospital 

Courtney Samotie, Occupational Therapist/Clinical Director, Back to Health 

Karen Sanchuk, Family Member 

Elaine Sandor, RMI 

Susan Saucier, Service Co-Ordinator Regional Community Brain Injury, Providence Continuing Care - St. Marys of the Lake 

Hospital 

Lisa Saunders-Green, Occupational Therapist, Cornerstone Occupational Therapy Consultants 

Patricia Saunoris, Case Manager, PAT SAUNORIS CONSULTING LTD. 

69

David Schell, Devry, Smith & Frank LLP 


Carrie Scheltema, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences 

Douglas Schmidt, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Ann Scott, Senior Program Consultant, Ministry of Health 

Leanne Shapiro, Director, Speech-Language Pathology, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

Serena Shastri-Estrada, OccupationalTherapist, Shastri-Estrada Occupational Therapy Services 

Sandra Shaw, Paralegal / SABS Consultant, Sandy's Accident Benefit Service 

Cheryl Shuster, OT, Care Planners Consulting Inc. 

Marek Siekanowicz, Physiotherapist, Advance Physiotherapy Clinic 

Gail Simpson, Private Practice 

Lilly Singh, Just Rehab Support Inc. 

Johanna Skippon, Case Manager - Day Treatment, Bridgepoint Health 

Dena Slauko, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Kelly Smale, Occupational Therapist, Rehab First Inc. 

Dale Smith, Survivor 

Kimberly Snow, Accident Benefit Specialist, Oatley, Vigmond LLP 

Bev Solomon, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Sara Somers, Social Worker/Outreach Coordinator, Thames Valley Children's Centre 

Julie Sorhaitz, Beyond Words Speech-Language Pathology 

Lorraine Spekkens, Balance Physiotherapy 

Andrea Spencer, ABI Rehabilitation Services Coordinator, Ontario March of Dimes 

Cynthia Sprigings, Bartimaeus Inc. 

Kaia Stahl, Community Resource Teacher, Bloorview School Authority 

Paul Standish, Case Manager, Brain Injury Rehabilitation.Ca 

Jennifer Stewart, St. Michael's Hospital 

Liz Stubbert, Head Injury Association of Durham Region 

Irene Sullivan, Clinical Coordinator, St. Michael's Hospital 

Linda Sun, Toronto Rehab 

Jackie Swartz, Occupational Thereapist, Source Rehabilitation Services Inc. 

Sharlyn Swift, March of Dimes 

Rebecca Swift-Weir, Adult Day Services Coordinator, Brain Injury Services Muskoka Simcoe 

Veronica Takes, Occupational Therapist, FunctionAbility Rehab Services 

Nir Tamir, Occupational Therapist, FunctionAbility Rehab Services 

Melisa Tammi-Cheah, Balance Physiotherapy 

Karen Tan, Occupational Therapist, Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc. 

Chuck Tanti, Wright & Associates 

Sergey Tarabuyev, ISS 

Zhanna Tarabuyeva, ISS 

Sandra Tavares, Catastrophic Injury Management Inc. 

Frank Tenuta, Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario 

Phil Thorpe, McKellar Structured Settlements Inc. 

Pilar Tomlinson, Rehabilitation Consultant, Pilar Tomlinson Rehab Management 

Jane Topolovec-Vranic, St. Michael's 

Marjana Tornmalm, SLP, Handikapp & Habilitering 

Jeff Tronetti, Director, Genesis Community Rehabilitation Inc. 

70

Glen Tschirhart, Rehab First 


Josie Turbach, Program Director, Anagram Premier/ResCare Premier 

Milan Unarket, Physiatrist/Medical Director of Rehabilitation, Bridgepoint Hospital 

Virginia Vander Hyden, New Graduate (OT), McMaster University 

Rika Vander Laan, Independent consultant, Toronto Rehabilitation Institue 

Amanda Varnish, The Social Work Consulting Group 

Carol Veecock, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences 

Sarah Vernon-Scott, Psychologist, Brainworks Corporation 

Melissa Vigar, Innovative Case Management 

Nevena Vuckovic, Tru-Path Occupational Therapy Services Ltd. 

Adam Wagman, Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP 

Darlene Wailes, Coordinator, MDAC 

Aileen Walker, Case Facilitator, BICR 

Nancy Waters, RN, The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre 

Laura Weinberger, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

Kyle Whaley, Balance Physiotherapy 

Heather White, Occupational Therapist, TRAC Group Inc 

Ruth Wilcock, Executive Director, Ontario Brain Injury Association 

Morgan Will, Occupational Therapist, Parkwood Hospital 

Julia Williams, Master Student, Brock University 

Stephanie Willison, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Kelly Williston-Wardel, , Parkwood Hospital 

Anjali Willoughby, Social Worker, Bridgepoint Hospital 

Bonnie Wilson, ABI Intake Coordinator, Participation House Waterloo Wellington 

kim Wilson-Wiles, Case Manager/M.S.W., Karen Rucas & Associates 

Kathy Wlodarczyk, Master Student, Brock University 

Kelly Wohlert, Bartimaeus Inc. 

Jane Wong, Occupational Therapist 

Megan Wood, Speech-Language Pathologist, The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada 

Janet Woodhouse, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Colleen Worsley, Wright & Associates 

Janet Wortsman, Parent of Survivor 

David Wysocki, Occupational Therapist, Inter-Action Rehabilitation 

Iona Yim, Occupational Therapist, Toronto Rehab 

Hillary Young, Sudbury Regional Hospital 

Raghad Zaiyouna, Toronto Rehab 

Natalie Zaraska, Occupational Therapist, Natalie Zaraska & Associates 

Michael Zinn, Rehabilitation Assistant, Knorr & Associates Inc. 

Zsofia Zoltan, Occupational Therapist, Complex Injury Rehab Inc 

Syma Zwicker, FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services 

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Planning Committee for Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010 

The Toronto ABI Network would like to thank the following who participated on the conference planning committee for this 

event: 

Volunteer Committee Members: 

Alison Jardine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (committee chair) 

Maureen Bird-Graper, Community Representative 

Colleen Boyce, Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario 

Michelle Diamond, Toronto Rehab 

Patricia Howell, Neuro-Rehab Services, Inc. 

Linda Lo, St. Michael's 

Val Lusted, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital 

Kalsang Phuntsok / Laura Fernanado, abi Possibilities, Inc. 

Johanna Skippon, Bridgepoint Health 

Staff Support: 

Charissa Levy, Executive Director, Toronto ABI Network 

Andrea Etherington, Project/Referral Coordinator 

Robert Jessop, Communications/Data Coordinator, Toronto ABI Network 

Judy Moir, Assistant Executive Director, Toronto ABI Network 

The planning committee would also like to extend our thanks to Toronto Rehab’s Conference Services team for providing 

conference management services for this event. 

72


Presentation Handouts for Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010 

Presentation handouts from the podium presentations given at the Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010 have been posted 

on our website where permissions allow. 

Please visit the conference website for presentation handouts: www.abinetwork.ca/conference2010.htm 

About the Toronto ABI Network Conference 2012 

Thank you for your attendance at the Toronto ABI Network Conference 2010. We hope that you found the event informative 

and rewarding. 

Planning for the Toronto ABI Network Conference 2012 will commence in early 2011. We hope to see you there. 

73

Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Network 

520 Sutherland Drive 


Tel: 416-597-3057 

Fax: 416-597-7021 

info@abinetwork.ca 

www.abinetwork.ca 

74

2010 Delegates book - Toronto ABI Network

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